1873 US Springfield 45-70 Trap Door Value

[rmidgett]

I'm trying to help a friend determine the value of a 1873 US Springfield 45-70 Trap Door rifle with bayonet. Can anyone on the board enlighten me as how to best go about this? The rifle will be listed for sale once the value can be determined.

[MP5_Rizzo]

By the serial number it looks like it was made in one of the high production years.  My 2 year old S.P. Fjestad Blue book values it at $650.00 in 60% NRA condition and $1500.00 in 90% NRA condition.  I'm no expert but these have always been something I've been drawn to when I see one at a gun show or flea market.  I've personally seen these priced between $600.00 - $1200.00.  I know that really doesn't tell you much because I've seen two of this production year side by side and one was substantially less and when I asked why I was told it had the wrong rear sight on it for that production run.  Good luck and I'm sure someone will come along with more to add than I have.

[Chris]

Pretty!

[DaveTN]

If you look on Gun Broker at auctions that have ended; the ones that sold went from around $300 to $800. There were plenty listed at $1000-$1200 but none of them had any bids.

[gregintenn]

Has it been refinished? I can't tell from the pics. How's the bore?

[Garufa]

2 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

Has it been refinished? I can't tell from the pics.

Sure looks like some of it has to me.  That must be considered in pricing....that's a negative attribute for those that think otherwise.

[gregintenn]

I'd be interested at a reasonable price.

 

A good portion of the value is actually in the bayonet. Is the scabbard with it?

Edited March 23, 2017 by gregintenn

[xtriggerman]

Clearly the stock has been refinished and somewhat butchered like most non professional jobs. The butt plate over bite on the wood proves it and is a huge value killer. The condition of the bore is also a big ? A very close look at the bore must be conducted to ensure there is no bulge as that's a common value fault in these old guns. If the bore is dark and pitted ( like most) I cant see it private sale for any more than 600 tops. A pristine bore, maybe 750. If it was original wood finish on a bright bore with bayo, then yah, 900 and up. God knows, a Gun show table would see the mentioned $1200. The blueing "looks" original by the pics. and these are more and more collectable every day. 

Edited March 23, 2017 by xtriggerman

[mootw]

Very sweet, indeed!