Manufactured in circa 1875, this carbine falls into the serial number range of the Model 1873 Carbines issued to the 7th Cavalry Regiment before the Battle of The Little Bighorn. The carbine has the long wrist stock without the butt trap. The breech block is marked "MODEL / 1873 / eagle head / crossed arrows / U.S.", which is the correct marking for Model 1873s made before mid 1876. The lock plate is marked with the eagle shield motif followed by "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873". The left side stock wrist is marked with a clear oval "ESA" cartouche of inspector E. S. Allin and the circled script "P" is marked on the bottom of the stock behind the lower tang. A saddle ring and bar are mounted on the left side of the stock. Standard front sight and adjustable folding leaf rear sight graduated to 1,200 yards. The lock has the three-position tumbler introduced in 1875. The hammer has the correct coarse knurling and beveled face. The barrel correctly has no proof or inspection marks. The tang of the buttplate is marked "US" behind the screw.

Fine. The barrel retains 40% faded blue with the balance a dark patina with some scattered minor pitting on the barrel and buttplate. There are a few minor dings on the breech end of the barrel and receiver. The breech block has a smooth grayish brown patina. The saddle ring bar is slightly bent which impedes the movement of the ring. The stock is with a crisp original "ESA" cartouche as well as the "P" cartouche on the wrist. A star has been carved into the right rear and the sling swivel has been removed. There are a couple of shallow gouges on the toe and overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent. A good solid 7th Cavalry serial number range Model 1873 Springfield trapdoor that earned it's keep.