I bought this thing a good number of years ago because it is weird, alot like me.
Actually I bought it partly because no one wanted it and at the time it's only saving grace was the pistol-grip attachment on it. A RARE and expensive part to find especially an original one.
This rifle began it's life as an early 1875 or before Model 1873 Springfield Rifle. It came from an estate farm auction near Galena, Illinois. (The Home of US Grant) I have to assume it belonged to a former Soldier (Trooper) from Texas. Because of the Star carved on the stock. This guy had alot of time on his hands and was really creative in repurposing this Trapdoor Rifle. Obviously he was right handed by the way that only the left side of the forestock is very finely checkered where the left hand would grip it. The right side of the wrist is checkered. The rear swept hammer spur is neat too. The carved and checkered riser block of Walnut for the rear sight. The shortened barrel and full length shortened stock and making a barrel band into a front sight. Then to attach an Officers Model Carbine cast steel pistol grip attachment was surprising. The rawhide Cartridge holder fitted and brass tacked to the buttstock was genius. The sights are dead on at 100 yards. That original pistol grip attachment is worth hundreds! I believe I got it for my opening bid of $50.00. Then I took the lock off! And cleaned it!!!
Who knows, lots of antiques and furniture at that auction too.
Actually I bought it partly because no one wanted it and at the time it's only saving grace was the pistol-grip attachment on it. A RARE and expensive part to find especially an original one.
This rifle began it's life as an early 1875 or before Model 1873 Springfield Rifle. It came from an estate farm auction near Galena, Illinois. (The Home of US Grant) I have to assume it belonged to a former Soldier (Trooper) from Texas. Because of the Star carved on the stock. This guy had alot of time on his hands and was really creative in repurposing this Trapdoor Rifle. Obviously he was right handed by the way that only the left side of the forestock is very finely checkered where the left hand would grip it. The right side of the wrist is checkered. The rear swept hammer spur is neat too. The carved and checkered riser block of Walnut for the rear sight. The shortened barrel and full length shortened stock and making a barrel band into a front sight. Then to attach an Officers Model Carbine cast steel pistol grip attachment was surprising. The rawhide Cartridge holder fitted and brass tacked to the buttstock was genius. The sights are dead on at 100 yards. That original pistol grip attachment is worth hundreds! I believe I got it for my opening bid of $50.00. Then I took the lock off! And cleaned it!!!
Who knows, lots of antiques and furniture at that auction too.