AR598 - A .50-70 (GOVT.) 1868 Trapdoor Springfield rifle.
Two band Model '1868 Trapdoor rifle in 50-70 calibre, serial no. 24458, with 32½“ barrel and two barrel bands, fitted with a block and blade front-sight and ladder rear-sight. The barrel is stamped with the serial number 24,458, the forward hinged breech block stamped with the U.S. eagle head cypher dated 1870: with the Model 1868, this is the “manufacturing” date and not model designation. Made from Model 1863 percussion rifle, this model was new in design, with a separate shoe for the breechblock into which the barrel was screwed; it also has a solid rather than lined barrel, again correct for all but the very earliest conversions. It has the correct bevelled edge lock dated 1863 on the tail together with the winged eagle and 'U.S. SPRINGFIELD' to the centre, iron mounted full walnut stock, with sling swivels and correct pattern rod; looks to be matching numbers. Only manufactured between very late 1868 and 1870, only 52,000 Models 1868 were made. Trigger guard, butt plate and externally barrel all old pitting but well cleaned; the breechblock and shoe are simply patina’d and not pitted. Bore is clean and bright but with a few patches of old pitting. Small dings to woodwork with worst marks to butt.