Produced circa 1873 (barrel and receiver only) within the range of arms which were produced before the Battle of Little Bighorn, this carbine shows a number of post-Little Bighorn arsenal revisions and upgrades as well as evidence of Native American capture. A vacant front sight base is present on the barrel with an "R" marked Buffington rear sight. The high arch breechblock shows the early "MODEL/1873/eagle head/crossed arrows/US" marking with an American eagle and "U.S/SPRINGFIELD" on the flush-fitting lock. The stock is a 1877 pattern with a "U" marked single barrel band and buttplate with storage compartment. In addition, the sling swivel has been removed from the side, a set of German silver reinforcing bands have been installed on the wrist and the left side of the stock, and there is evidence of brass tack decoration on the wood.

Fair, showing evidence of an active and eventful service life. The steel components show a mixed brown and gray patina with a few splashes of black paint ahead of the non-grooved barrel band and mild handling marks overall. The stock shows a number of cracks and repairs, as well as some holes from the tacks, a large chip absent from the tip and scattered scuffs and dings. Mechanically very good.