This U.S. Springfield Model 1870 Trapdoor Indian rifle has had the barrel and stock shortened to their present length. The consignors notes state that this rifle came from the White Cloud Reservation, South Dakota, that it was sold at auction in Orange County, (state unknown), and was once the property of the famous Apache Indian Chief Geronimo. The notes further states that this rifle appears in an article in National Geographic and that it has been authenticated by George Lapin. An internet search of George Lapin shows numerous individuals. A copy of the article, which is believed to be in October 1992 issue, does not accompany the rifle. As mentioned above the barrel has been shortened and as brass blade front sight has been installed with a dove tailed base and the rear sight is the folding two leaf carbine type. The left side of the barrel and frame at the breech are marked "2889", the breechblock is marked "1870 / eagle head / crossed arrows / U.S." and the lock is marked "1863" behind the hammer and the eagle shield motif and "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the hammer. The rifle has the correct high arch breechblock, two-piece trigger guard assembly and two click tumbler. The stock has been shortened, has one barrel band, numerous brass tacks decorating the sides and an steel buttplate marked "U.S." on the tang. There are no visible cartouches on the stock.