[ElkGroveDan]

I have a few questions that the articles on this that are now all over the Internet don't seem to answer.

The contact surface of the tree where the gun was leaning, what did that look like? How about the ground where the butt was resting, was there an impression was there dirt caked all around the base of it? If you lean something against a tree for a very long time it tends to become part of the tree. Same with the ground. Something resting on the ground for a long time has a way of settling in.

My hunch is that someone recently found this down a ravine, or hidden between large rocks and then stood it up there.

[Swanks]

I think it kind of a stretch to think it was there for 132 years. Appears the thinking is: Take manufacturing date and add 20 years when it would be an older less valuable rifle. I suspect it was taken out there much later maybe 1920 or so when it was really a relic and not worth much. Probable one last try to fire it - didn't perform well, and [whoever] didnt want the hastle of lugging it back.

Because I can't see it remaining upright in the elements for 132 years.

[jazusamo]

Agreed, I have the same thoughts. For sure it hasn’t been leaning against that juniper for anywheres near a hundred years.