3310

Custer Era U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine with Indian Decoration

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Custer Era U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbine with Indian Decoration
This is an interesting weapon and consists of a correct carbine barrel, receiver and 1873 dated lock plate, mounted onto a period modified Model 1873 rifle stock. Blade front and correct rear sight adjustable from 500 to 1200 yards. High arch breechblock with replacement firing pin, marked "MODEL/ 1873/ eagle/ U.S.". Lock plate is marked "U.S./ SPRINGFIELD/ 1873", with a coarse checkered high rounded hammer. The stock has been shortened to carbine length, with the ramrod channel filled, a sling bar added and then cut down, trigger guard sling swivel removed, traces of a circular brass tack pattern on the left buttstock behind a "Y" shaped cut, the right side showing a series of punched circles ahead of a cut herringbone pattern connecting with the buttplate. These designs and alterations all appear to be period vintage. According to notes from a previous owner, this carbine originates from the Cypress Hills region of southwestern Saskatchewan. Located just north of the Montana-Canada border, the Cypress Hills was a meeting point for a number of western Indian nations, home to approximately 10000-12000 Plains Indians driven out of the U.S. following the Battle of Little Bighorn and would become home to the North-West Mounted Police, forbearers of the RCMP, following the events of the Cypress Hills Massacre. This is a great relic of American history and would make a fantastic addition to any Indian War collection.
BBL: 22 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 30097
Condition: Good by the standards of an Indian War gun, with such decorations being typical for weapons salvaged from the field. The metal has a mottled gray patina overall, with some original blue remaining under the wood. Repaired stock, with cracks, dents and chips. Mechanically fine.