1873 Springfield ID

[humble servant]

So I picked up this 1873 for what I think was a good deal, $440. I shot some black powder loads through it at a hundred yard range it it'll put them on paper.
The markings I'm most curious about are the the 66 and the F top of the receiver.
I've done an internet search and couldn't find anything similar. Any info would be appreciated.[ATTACH]15343006832921226468462.jpg[/ATTACH]

[IrishJoe3]

Probably a unit and company marking. I have a trapdoor with similar markings

[humble servant]

Probably a unit and company marking. I have a trapdoor with similar markings

Would it be possible to find out where and when it was issued?
I'd like to get some history on it but haven't had any luck.

[81turbota]

Any unusual markings in the stock? I have one with National Guard markings in the stock. The more clues the better.

[IrishJoe3]

Would it be possible to find out where and when it was issued?
I'd like to get some history on it but haven't had any luck.

I wish. Mine is marked exactly as yours, (different unit and company though).

I'd imagine poking around to see if there was a 66th Infantry, B company during the Indian War era.

[humble servant]

No marks on the stock. Can't tell if it was ever sanded although it doesn't look like it.
B company? Are you refering to the letter under the 66? If so it is an F not a B.

[Paul_R]

F Troop! Ran from `65 to `67...

[IrishJoe3]

No marks on the stock. Can't tell if it was ever sanded although it doesn't look like it.
B company? Are you refering to the letter under the 66? If so it is an F not a B.

Yeah sorry, looked like a B on my phone

[humble servant]

Yeah sorry, looked like a B on my phone

I found a website awhile back but can't remember what it was called. The guy was a Springfield trapdoor "expert". I sent him an email with the serial number but didn't get a reply. I checked back in on the website and unfortunately he'd gotten sick and passed away.
His family auctioned off the hundreds of Springfields from his store and closed up shop.
I'm sure he would've had some info for me but that's the way it goes.

[humble servant]

F Troop! Ran from `65 to `67...

Good one

[Vtgunner]

You could try calling the Springfield Armory Museum in Mass. They have helped me before and have a full time historian on staff.

[humble servant]

You could try calling the Springfield Armory Museum in Mass. They have helped me before and have a full time historian on staff.

I didn't know about them. I'll give them a call, thanks!

[SR1911]

Try out Trapdoorcollector.com tons of good information.... go to the bulletin board section you can post a description and serial number, someone will chime in if they can find any information. Good luck and nice Trapdoor..

[Springfield45]

I am guessing that it was most likely a Militia owned rifle. Many States during the civil war mustered Militia Companies during the civil war. Many stayed in service for many years after the war. I have a 1873 trapdoor that served with the New Jersey Militia. Yours may have also from a different state. The States of New York, Illinois and Indiana all had 66th infantry Units with companies that went from company A through G. They were disbanded after the civil war was over. There may have been other states that had a Militia units called 66th battalion F company that would have served with a rifle like yours. But like I said that is a guess.

[humble servant]

Try out Trapdoorcollector.com tons of good information.... go to the bulletin board section you can post a description and serial number, someone will chime in if they can find any information. Good luck and nice Trapdoor..

I'll do that, thanks!