Manufactured circa 1875 with an early long wrist/short comb stock with no butt trap, barrel band with stacking swivel, high arch breechblock, front sight/bayonet stud and blade, rear sight with base graduated to 500 yards and leaf graduated to 1,200 yards. The lock has the correct (replaced) three-notch tumbler, and the hammer has coarse knurling. The barrel, correctly, does not have the "V/P/eagle head" marks applied to rifles and carbines in the 40-60,000 serial range that were manufactured in Fiscal Year 1875. The top of the breechblock is marked: "MODEL/1873" above an eagle head and crossed arrows and "U.S." on top, with a faint engraved number on the arch. The serial number is located on the breech ahead of the tang. The left side of the stock is absent of any markings. Springfield Research Service U.S. Martial Arms serial number data sheet for trapdoor rifles, carbines, and shotguns shows serial number 32975 (very close to this carbine) was sent to the 3rd Cavalry on 04/29/79.

Good. The metal surfaces have been cleaned at some time, and the metal now has a brown/gray patina with some areas of pitting. The well worn stock is also good with a few gouges and a number of minor scuffs, dings and dents. The markings are clear. The action is very fine.