This carbine falls into the serial number range of the Model 1873 Carbines possibly issued to the 7th Cavalry Regiment before the Battle of The Little Bighorn (it has been estimated that the "Custer era" serial number range for late 1873 carbines is 33,000-43,600). The breechblock is marked "U.S. / MODEL / 1873", a marking used after mid-1876. The later production lock plate is marked with the eagle/shield motif followed by "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD". Barrel is correct without proofs. Blade front and M1884 Buffington rear sights with saddle ring mounted on left side of the M1879/1884 stock and three-click tumbler. "US" marked buttplate with compartment is fitted to a stock without markings.

Fair as upgraded to M1884 specifications. The carbine traces of original blue finish with the balance a smooth dark brown patina. There is some minor pitting on the trigger guard and even minor spotting on the lock plate which extends to the hammer. The breechblock retains 70% of the case colors. The wrist is cracked and a minor crack is present near the buttplate, otherwise the stock is fair with some minor dings and scratches and a few minor gouges with a missing minor chip near the buttplate tang and a couple pressure dents on the wrist. Mechanically fine.