This is a wonderful example of a very rarely encountered U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Carbine manufactured circa late 1873 which falls right in the middle of the noted Custer era serial number range carbines; (33,000-43,700). Custer era carbines found in this range were issued to 7th U.S. Cavalry Companies C, D, I and K. This desirable carbine is accompanied by a typed and notarized letter, from the consignor documenting the history of this 1873 carbine that covers the last 85 plus years. As explained in this document the carbine was originally purchased in March 1939 from Miles Horne a native Cheyenne Indian, who resided by Busby Montana, who had acquired this carbine from one of his family relatives that actually found and picked up this carbine directly after the battle at Little Big Horn. This carbine has all the original 1873 era carbine features, all of which have been on this carbine since it was produced. The lock is marked with the standard spread wing American Eagle followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873" ahead of the hammer, the high arched breech block is marked "MODEL/1873/eagle head/crossed arrows/US" with the serial number (39488) stamped top rear of the receiver. It has the original flush fitting receiver and barrel, which has the original 1873 pattern carbine rear sight with the ladder graduated from 6-12 (600-1200 yards) on top with 1-5 (100 to 500 yards) on the right side of the base with the original integral front sight still in place. It has the original one-piece barrel band with the split sling swivel. The stock is the later, correct long wrist, carbine stock that has its original smooth buttplate with NO trapdoor or storage compartment, wit the U.S. stamped on top of the heal. The stock has a faint partial, circled "ESA" cartouche on the left side with a circled script "P" proof on the underside in the pistol grip area. It still retains its correct sling bar and ring on the left side. This wonderful carbine is accompanied with two books; Custer Survivor by Koster and The Last Stand by Philbrick, both are fascinating reading with numerous pictures of the various Indian Chiefs involved in the battle.

Good with traces of the original finish still remaining overall mostly in the protected area on the underside of the barrel and action. The stock is in fair condition with a nice dark finish overall showing numerous handling marks and heavier pressure dents with the pistol grip area having an old heavy cracked through the wrist, which has the traditional old Western/frontier repair that consisted of having five nails (not pinned) driven through the pistol grip area. The cartouche is lightly visible. This old but very authentic frontier repair still remains fairly solid even today. The markings are clear and distinct except the cartouche as noted above. Just a wonderful example of a real Custer era battle field pick up carbine with written documentation.