This carbine is equipped with a front sight/bayonet stud and a ladder rear sight graduated to 1,200 yards. The barrel, correctly, does not have the "V/P/Eagle Head" U.S. proof and inspection marks applied to rifles and carbines around serial number 50,000. The action has a two-click tumbler as found on Model 1873 rifles. The lock plate is marked with the eagle/shield motif and "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the hammer, a making used after 1878. The serial number is located on the breech ahead of the tang and the serial number is below 43,700 making it a pre-Custer carbine action. The high arch breechblock is marked "MODEL/1873/[eagle head over crossed arrows/1873" with the letter "R" on the underside. The carbine stock has a sling barrel band with sling swivel, saddle bar with ring mounted on the left side, two piece trigger guard and buttplate without a compartment. The left side of the stock has a clear "RGS" cartouche, a circled script "R" behind the trigger guard and the left side of the buttstock has a stenciled "ML" above a hand marked "15". The stock cartouche and script "R" are not U.S. or arsenal inspector markings. These markings were applied by Bannerman's of N.Y. or Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of N.Y. or other similar retailers who obtained surplus U.S. longarms of the period.

Fine as period retailer finished/assembled (see above). The barrel retains 60% period blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The receiver, hammer, lock plate, breechblock, tang, trigger guard and buttplate retain 70% original case colors. The stock is excellent with some scattered minor handling marks. The stock markings are crisp. Mechanically fine.