This is a rare example of a Model 1886 Experimental Calvary Carbine as manufactured by Springfield Armory for cavalry troop trials circa 1885/86. These carbines generally fall into the serial number range of 325000 - 400000 range with this example being numbered, "334326". The unique features of this series is that they have a longer 24 inch barrel with a full length walnut stock, it is fitted with a rearward curved, front sling swivel (designed to lay next to the forearm when the carbine was placed in a saddle boot), with the rear sling swivel mounted on the underside of the buttstock, but still retaining the standard carbine sling bar and ring on the left side. Additionally these carbines were equipped with a special Buffington rear sight calibrated to 2000 yards and correctly marked "XC" on the upper right side of the leaf. The lock plate is marked: the Eagle and Shield in front of the hammer followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873". The rear of the barrel is marked with the: "VP/Eagle Head /P" proof and inspection marks from Springfield Armory and it is fitted with the improved, low arch breechblock is marked: "U.S./MODEL/1878". As noted this has a full length stock with the standard carbine buttplate marked "US" on the heel with a storage compartment, that contains the three-piece cleaning rod and a rare ruptured shell extractor. These carbines were issued to various cavalry units for testing in the American West.