This is an interesting weapon with a period modified/decorated stock. There is a blade front sight and a correct rear sight adjustable from 500 to 1,200 yards. Has the high arch breechblock marked "MODEL/1873/eagle/ U.S.". The lock plate is marked "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873" and has a coarse checkered high rounded hammer with three click tumbler. The stock has been shortened to carbine length, the ramrod channel filled, a sling bar added and then cut off and ground smooth, the trigger guard sling swivel has been removed, there are traces of a circular brass tack pattern on the left side of the buttstock behind a "Y" shaped cut and the right side has a series of punched circles ahead of a cut herringbone pattern that meets the buttplate. These designs and alterations all appear to be period correct. Notes from a previous owner indicate that this carbine originates from the Cypress Hills region of southwestern Saskatchewan which is located just north of the Montana-Canada border. The Cypress Hills were a meeting point for a number of western Indian nations and home to approximately 10,000-12,000 Plains Indians driven out of the U.S. following the Battle of Little Bighorn. Cypress Hills would later become home to the North-West Mounted Police, forbearers of the RCMP, following the events of the Cypress Hills Massacre. This is an interesting relic of American history and would be a welcome addition to any Indian War collection.

Good, this carbine has survived the Indian War and many years of use afterwards. It has been decorated by a previous owner which is typical for weapons salvaged from the field. The metal has a mottled gray patina overall with some original blue remaining under the wood. There are a number of scattered minor dings and scratches overall. The firing pin has been replaced. The stock has been repaired and has cracks, dents and chips along with the period decorations. Mechanically fine.