You may also try writing to the "Gun Room" department of Guns & Ammo
Magazine.  Columnist Garry James answers all kinds of questions about
firearms, no matter how old or unusual the weapons happen to be.  I can't
find the address, but if your at the book store, leaf through a copy and
see if you can find an address.  Also, there might be something online.
You could try looking it us in Yahoo or something like it.  In the mean
time, here is the phone number for subscription information.  Perhaps an
operator there can give you the proper contact person:  1-800-800-2666.
This section of the magazine is something like a Dear Abbey column so
certainly there is a way to contact the columnist.  Hope this helps.

On Wed, 7 Feb 1996, Diane Gutenkauf wrote:

> >I am doing research on a Springfield Model 1873, single-shot, .45-caliber
> >rifle.  The serial number is 6295 or 62959.  Does any one know of good
> >references on this topic?  Can I use the serial number to find out the
> >year it was made?  Also, what type of wood were Springfield Model 1873s
> >made of?  These are just a few of my questions.  Replies would be
> >appreciated.  Thanks, B. Hackman.
>
> My local public library boasts the following publications:
>
> "Standard Catalog of Firearms from the publishers of Gun List" by Ned Schwing
&
> Herbert Houze. Krause Publications, 1995  (Your rifle appears on page 659)
>
> "The Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values" 9th ed. By Jack Lewis, DBI Books In
c,
> 1993
>
> Also try:
> "Gun Traders Guide" By Paul Wahl, Stoeger Publishing, 1984
>
> "The NRA Gun Collectors Guide" published by the National Rifle Association
>
> There, I've done your bibliographic search for you. Call your friendly local
> librarian and I'm certain these books can be obtained for you at very low (no?
)
> cost.
>