I appreciate the help,trying to see when this antique was manufactured and its value?I think it is 45/70,but it is not marked for caliber,just US Springield with a Eagle on the sideplate and the serial number on top...it is a carbine model in fiar condition with excellent bore...Thanks!!

Try this:

http://armscollectors.com/sn/usmilookup.php?file=us_trapdoor.dat

Thank you VERY much! it turns out to be made 1880....I may sell it now?

SAFARIKID wrote:

quote:

How can I date a US Springfield Trapdoor?

My guess would be you'd have to buy it dinner and drinks...

Sorry...it's just been that kind of day.

As to verifying caliber, the easiest way is to use cerrosafe. It melts at a very low temp and is extremely easy to work with. I use it fairly often. I'm sure most larger places like Brownell's & Grafs carry it, but I get it from midwayusa.com

It is re-usable as well. Just don't let the wife know you're melting cerrosafe in her favorite sauce pan...