145

Historic Indian Wars Period U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Historic Indian Wars Period U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Carbine
Model 1873 serial #41254, unaltered condition. Well-used 45-70 cal., Morning Star style symbol stamped into the stock on the left side. This trapdoor carbine is one of several that fit into a serial number range that are known by collectors as the “Star” carbines. These weapons have been explored and many opinions have been published and discussed. The original article published in “Man at Arms Magazine” in August 1995 by Robert Smith was titled “Weapons with Spiritual Power” and documented Springfield and Sharps carbines with symbols applied by Native Americans for “Good Medicine.” The guns all fall into the general serial range of 35,000 to 43,000. Smith examined eight carbines that had the pressed-in symbol done with a similar, if not same exact implement. There is much speculation on this star, whether it is intended to be spiritual or medicine, and it appears to be on weapons that have at one time passed through Indian hands. The star is believed to be of Sioux or Cheyenne origin. It should also be noted that examinations of U.S. Army Ordinance records and regimental returns involved in confrontations with Indians, revealed that during the six-year period from January, 1874 to January, 1880, the only documented loss of early original, unaltered, high serial numbered carbines was at the Little Bighorn, June 26, 1876.
A letter from Rudolf Krochmann states “All I know, for sure, is that there are approximately ten 1873 Springfield Carbines with a peculiar five pointed star mark on their butt-stock. All are unmodified first pattern ‘73s –All are in the Custer serial number range – All are high in the range – All are close together in the range (see how “tight” your serial number fits in the table on page 40 of the second article).” Articles, letter and magazine included.