This is an example of a very rarely encountered U.S. Springfield Model 1877 Carbine manufactured circa 1877-1878 using Model 1873 Carbines as the base. The Model 1877 incorporated a number of modifications, including a butt trap in the stock for a three-piece steel cleaning rod and headless shell extractor, (not included), with the latter added as a result of combat experience at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Additionally, the 1877 is equipped with an early pattern buttplate to match the butt trap, and a short wrist, long comb stock, which was more rugged than the Model 1873's long wrist. The buttplate tang is marked "US". The lock plate has the two-line, "U.S./SPRINGFIELD", inscription without the "1873" date used until 1877 and the eagle and shield motif in front of the hammer. The high arch breechblock is marked "U.S./MODEL/1873", and the left side of the barrel is marked with the small "V/P/Eagle Head/P" proof and inspection markings that are typically found on carbines in the 40,000-60,000 serial number range but which are occasionally found on carbines in the 75,000-80,000 range. The carbine has the three-click tumbler added around serial number 73,000 and hammer with stamped knurling in an oval pattern on the spur. The rear sight is the Model 1873 pattern with 500 yard graduations on the right side of the base and 1200 yard graduation on the right side of the leaf. Notes from a previous owner state that Model 1877 Carbines in this serial number range were issued to the 7th Cavalry in 1881.