This is a very nice early Custer era carbine that falls directly into the noted serial number range of (33,000-43,600) for those Springfield Model 1873 Carbines that were possibly issued to the 7th Cavalry Regiment before the Battle of The Little Bighorn. As we all know the Custer Battle has been one of the more famous and highly controversial American History battles even today. Consequently these carbines are extremely desirable and highly sought after by both Indian war and martial arms collectors. This example exhibits many of the traits of weapons reportedly captured by various Indian warriors in the years after the Custer battle, specifically there is a 1 inch "pentastar" carved on the right rear side of the buttstock. The overall carbine shows heavy overall use, with the sling bar cut-off from the bases with the sling swivel also removed with a small "pentastar" symbol carved on the right side of the buttstock. It is fitted with the high-arch breechblock, marked "MODEL/1873/Eagle head proof/Crossed Arrows/U.S.". The lock plate is marked with the "Spread Wing American Eagle/U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873". It is fitted with the two-piece trigger guard and trigger guard bow made without the sling swivel on the bow, coarse checkered hammer with the slight bevel on the underside, smooth trigger, early 1873 pattern carbine rear sight with the lower profile marked on the side of the base "1-5" with the face of the tangent marked, "1-12" with the sighting notch on top. This carbine is fitted with a long wrist carbine stock with a smooth buttplate marked "U.S." on top of the heel. It has the narrow receiver with the barrel correctly made without proofs. The left side of the stock has a partial circled cartouche.

Fine with 60% of the original blue and casehardened finish remaining overall showing more of a gray patina on the exposed metal surfaces with more finish in the protected areas. The stock is in good plus condition showing light pressure dents, scratches and scars overall from heavy use in the field. The cartouche as noted is only partially visible. A nice example of a Custer era trapdoor carbine.