This is an example of a very rarely encountered U.S. Springfield Model 1877 Carbine, produced circa 1877-1878. Produced using Model 1873 Carbines as the base, the Model 1877 incorporated a number of modifications, including a the butt trap in the stock for a three-piece steel cleaning rod and headless shell extractor, with the latter added as a result of combat experience at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Additionally, the 1877 is equipped with an early pattern buttplate to match the butt trap, and a 'short-wrist/long-comb' stock, which was more rugged than the Model 1873's long wrist. The carbine has the 'three-click' tumbler added around serial number 73,000 and hammer with stamped knurling in an oval pattern on the spur. The lock plate has the two-line, "U.S./SPRINGFIELD", inscription without the "1873" date used until 1877 and the eagle and shield motif in front of the hammer. The high arch breechblock is marked "U.S./ MODEL/ 1873", and the left side of the barrel is marked with the small "V/ P/ Eagle Head/ P" proof and inspection markings that are typically found on carbines in the 40,000 - 60,000 serial number range but which are occasionally found on carbines in the 75,000 - 80,000 range. The rear sight is the Model 1873 pattern with 500 yard graduations on the right side of the base and 1200 yard graduation on the right side of the leaf. Notes from a previous owner state that Model 1877 Carbines in this serial number range were issued to the 7th Cavalry in 1881.

Good, with the handling wear that is typical of field-carried weapons, showing a mottled, brown-gray patina on the metal components, some light pitting on the barrel band and some heavier pitting on the heel of the buttplate. The stock is fair to good as refinished and repaired, with a replaced chip in the forearm and cracking of the wrist and buttstock. Mechanically excellent. This is a good, solid, example of a scarce Springfield Model 1877 Carbine.