Museum ID Clarification

[Eric 43]

This is a little post Civil War but, perhaps there's some expertise in the Forum on Springfield conversions. Another gun I am cleaning for the museum is an 1870 musket conversion. The lockplate is dated 1863 and the trapdoor breech shows 1870 US. Doing some research I found that this gun had a new barrel, cal. 50/70, installed with the trapdoor receiver. I may be what is called the first series as the rear sight almost touches the receiver. My question is the serial number(s). On the lock side the barrel is stamped 4876. On the opposite side there are two stamps 42181 on the barrel and next to it on the receiver. Any clue as to when this was produced and if it is the rarer first series?

BTW, the rifle is in great shape. The bore is clean and the rifling is sharp. The lock is crisp and the trapdoor works smoothly. It also has the bayonet.

 

[johan_steele]

I'm slightly confused. Which might attest to a mix of pain meds and brandy.

The M1866 was in .58 rimfire with the M1870 being in .50-70 and the M1873 being in .45-70. Springfield used up surplus parts in the M1866 series with the M1870 2nd model? Being the first to use any new manufactured parts in the barrel and rear sights. Something looks off to the rear sight but I'm looking at this via my phone so... regardless she's awfully pretty.

 

[hawknknife]

It is a Model 1868 in .50-70.

 

[Story]

This is a little post Civil War but, perhaps there's some expertise in the Forum on Springfield conversions.

Go here. https://www.trapdoorcollector.com//

Absorb.

 

[Eric 43]

Thanks, all for the replies