Produced before 1876, as part of the serial range that may have been issued to the 7th Cavalry before the Battle of Little Bighorn. Blade front and ladder rear sights, with a three click tumbler, "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873" lock plate and a low arch breechblock marked "MODEL 1873/(eagle)/(arrows)/US". Smooth straight wrist stock, with the saddle ring bar on the left side and a smooth "US" buttplate.

Fair, showing a mixed brown patina on the barrel and frame, with areas of gray patina, a small amount of pitting, and scattered handling marks. The breechblock has been refinished but the markings are clear. A mixed gray is showing on the breechblock, darker on the underside. The later replacement buttstock is good as refinished, with a mended crack on the left side, scattered dents, and dark spots. Mechanically very good.