Boy, did I do sumthin' dumb today

[THBailey]

Bought two 140 year old guns sight unseen in an online auction...

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1029/4100/two-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-rifles#detail

Don't know a darn thing about trapdoors, other than one of these is in 50/70 which I already cast and load for.

A fool and his money...?

[capt14k]

If you got them for the average estimate even with the buyer's premium I think you did ok.

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[THBailey]

Thanks for that. And actually did a little better, gavel price of $700. By the time they add in the buyers premium and shipping and such, probably a bit north of $1000 for the pair. But buying a gun of that vintage you have not personally fondled....

[knucklehead0202]

I've done dumber things that worked out OK, I reckon you'll be alright. While they may not all have been great deals, I've never regretted buying a gun. It just feels so....right.

[aghauler]

Bought two 140 year old guns sight unseen in an online auction...

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1029/4100/two-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-rifles#detail

Don't know a darn thing about trapdoors, other than one of these is in 50/70 which I already cast and load for.

A fool and his money...?

You got them for a decent price and if they prove to be in better than described and shootable condition that even better. See what they are like when you get them and give us an update!

[DBA]

I think you did well.

[CALI-gula]

At first glance, the photos look great, cartouche visible on each, but then had to look closer because I couldn't understand why RIA had them rated only as "FAIR".

Both appear to have been refinished, possibly even cold-blued. The lock/trapdoor portion should be case-colored not blued, and the wood on each look sanded, even though the cartouches are visible (may be restapmed).

Can't say whether you did bad or good, but if blue-refinished as they appear to be, your cost will be all about the bore. If the bore is great with good rifling, you made out; if the bore is rough/pitted/shallow rifling, etc., you paid about what they are worth or just a bit less, at $1000 for the pair. I can easily see the 50/70 fetching $600 to $700 if you decided to re-sell it merely because of the caliber, and the .45/70 at $500 to $600.

.

[THBailey]

With its dimensions the 50/70 was either cut down for a cadet rifle or a Bannerman. But its bore is quite literally bight and clean, with what appears to my uneducated eye to be the original style wide three groove rifling. And it shoots like a dream. I am quite happy with it.

The 45/70 was, unfortunately, "rid hard and put away wet". The externals are pretty well represented in the photo's you see, but the bore will require a reline before it would be a shooter again.