Some of these Model 1873 carbines are known to have been used in the Battle of Little Bighorn in June 1876, with serial numbers undocumented, although any gun falling below the serial number of 43700 is generally accepted as a possible candidate, with this specific example being made well prior to the incident. Many other early trapdoor carbines were used extensively by the U.S. Cavalry throughout the Indian Wars. Blade front sight and correct ladder rear sight graduated to 1,200 yards, left mounted saddle bar and ring, correct stock with short 9 inch comb, oval script "ESA" (Erskine S. Allin) inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat, circled script "P" firing proof stamped behind the lower tang and a solid buttplate correctly without compartment inside the stock. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Fine, in its untouched original configuration, retains 50% original blue and oil quenched casehardened finishes showing proper signs of Indian Wars era use with genuine smooth brown and gray patina on the balance and otherwise attractive defined markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is also fine with numerous scattered period scratches and dents, a few minor chips, and mostly defined edges and cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This attractive correct Custer era U.S. Springfield Model 1873 trapdoor carbine would make a fine addition to any U.S. military arms collection!