1878 Springfield 45-70
 

LF Members,

My widowed sister in law has a 1878 Trapdoor 45-70 long barrel rifle. It's decent, complete and functional but awful dirty evidently from attic storage. Her deceased hubby evidently took it on trade for an unpaid business bill many years ago. Any ideas what this is worth or where I can learn a little more? I like old Colt SAA's but I don't do trapdoor 45-70's. Thanks in advance.

Hi Al,
If it's in decent 90%+ condition after it's cleaned and is a run of the mill trapdoor. They sell for $800-$1000 on the average. If it's a three band cadet , $1200-$1500. There are different variations. With bayonet cleaning rods, etc.

Ron

AGE,

When it comes to determining value, the world of trapdoor springfields is about as complex as the world of 1911 colts or lugers. Dixie Gun Works keeps a large inventory of these. You might want to look at their website (www.dixiegunworks.com) or order their antique arms catalog (I count 31 trapdoors in the latest catalog). They also do appraisals if this is part of an estate settlement. By the way, if you are ever in NW Tennesse I highly recommend visiting Dixie Gun Works. KFS

No such thing as a "1878" trapdoor. Look closer with a magnifier and you will see that the '8' is a '3'. Very dirty, rusty?, probably $500. My pristine M1884 I bought for $1500.

Check out this website. There are numerous items of interest including trapdoor values.

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/