This is a very unique example of a U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Carbine which falls into the serial number range (33,000-43,700) of U.S. Model 1873 carbines issued to 7th U.S. Cavalry Companies C, D, I and K and is marked with the Indian Star Symbol on the right rear of the stock. This carbine is pictured and identified by serial number with a short article entitled "A Springfield Model 1873 Carbine With Indian Star Symbol" on pages 40-41of "Man at Arms", volume 24, number 6, 2002, (included in the lot). The star reportedly matches those described in the article "Weapons With Spiritual Power" by Robert W. Smith ("Man at Arms", "Roll of Honor" August 1995), not included with lot. There are a number of theories surrounding the marking one of which believes the star to be a Sioux Indian symbol, perhaps indicating the gun was captured by Indians at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Another is that the star symbol was put on guns before the sale to Indians, possibly following the return of early serial number guns to Springfield which started in 1879. Another theory in an article in the "Man at Arms volume 25, number 5, 2003 written by K.E.J. of Wisconsin on page 8 (included with lot), says that the carbines were issued to 7th Cavalry Arikara Indian Scouts who carved or had the star symbol carved into the stocks at the time of the Little Bighorn Campaign and returned them to the army when enlistments ended. Custer asked Arikara Indian Chief Son-of-the-Star for more Arikara to serve as scouts on his expedition. A total of 38 Arikara Scouts were enlisted at Fort Abraham Lincoln during April and May of 1876 and undoubtedly received their arms from the aforementioned serial number range. This carbine was on loan to the Buffalo Bill Museum, which appears to be for a year, 2005-2006 by included documents from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. There is also a "Current Appraisals" sheet stating that "It is highly probable that this gun was captured by Indians from Custer's troops following the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and that the star symbol was carved into the buttstock. It is also probable, because of its condition, that it was recaptured from the Sioux and Cheyenne at the battles of Slim Buttes, Wolf Mountain or Dull Knife." There is also a letter from a Robert W. Smith dated May 20, 1996 who inspected the star symbol on this carbine and concluded the same technique was used to carve the star into this carbine as in others surveyed and that the origin is 1870s Sioux. Regardless of which theory one chooses to believe, this is a very unique Western collectable with very intriguing Indian association. The lock is marked with the standard eagle followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873" ahead of the hammer, the breech block is marked "MODEL/1873/eagle head/crossed arrows/US" and the serial number is on the top rear of the receiver. Blade front sight and carbine rear sight with the ladder graduated to 12 and 1 through 5 steps on the right side of the base. Mounted with a smooth one piece walnut stock with a sling ring on the barrel band, saddle ring and bar on the left side, circled script "P" behind the lower tang and iron carbine buttplate.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a smooth grayish brown patina. The stock is also very good with a small chip at the rear of the lock, a few small chips on the toe, a few dents on the underside and overall a few minor dents. The saddle ring bar is slightly bent in. The circled "P" is sharp. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. An historically documented Custer range Model 1873 Trapdoor carbine with very unique and historic Indian star symbol making this a very rare carbine.