This is an interesting weapon and consists of a correct carbine barrel and receiver with high arch breechblock, replacement firing pin, rounded hammer with coarse checkering and correct 1873 dated lock plate mounted onto a period modified 1873 rifle stock with filled ramrod channel and added sling bar. It has the correct rear sight adjustable from 500 to 1200 yards, correct breechblock markings and "U.S." on the buttplate tang. The stock shows the remnants of extensive tack decorations: linear patterns along the forend and stock comb and a circular pattern on the left side of the buttstock just behind a small carved "Y" symbol. In addition there is a partially relief carved herringbone design at the buttplate on the right side with shallow circular depressions ahead of it. These designs have a thick added coat of oil and show a great deal of age. The sling bar was ground off at some point leaving only the mounts and the sling swivel was removed from the rifle trigger guard. The gun came from the Cypress Hills - Wood Mt. region of southwestern Saskatchewan just over the Montana border where the Sioux and Cheyenne fled due to the relentless pursuit of U.S. troops following Little Big Horn. Estimates range between 10,000 and 12,000 Plains Indians in the area by 1877 (interestingly, they proved peaceful neighbors and caused very little trouble for the Canadian civil and police authorities). This is a great relic of a tragic episode in American history and would make a fantastic addition to any Indian War collection.