This four digit serial number U.S. Springfield Model 1873 carbine was originally built in 1873, early enough to have been used at the Battle of Little Bighorn. The early trapdoor carbines saw extensive use on the Great Plains and in the Southwest during the Indian War era. Custer's men were armed with Model 1873s when they were annihilated near the Little Bighorn River. After the battle, their carbines were gathered up by the victors and used in later battles with the U.S. cavalry. While they offered less rapid fire than the repeating arms of the era, their longer range capabilities and stronger cartridge were well suited for the battles of the era. It has a blade front sight, Model 1873 notch and folding ladder rear sight graduated 1-5 on the base and 6-12 on the ladder, "MODEL/[obliterated]/eagle head/crossed arrows/US" on top of the breechblock, the low serial number "5749" at the rear edge, a saddle ring and bar on the left side of the stock, "1873" below the standard Springfield markings on the lock, standard carbine "US" marked buttplate and trigger guard, and single barrel band with "U" on the right and a sling swivel.

Good as assembled/restored back to 1873 specification. The barrel has a dark patina and moderate pitting. The breech has gray and brown patina and minor marks. The lock has a refinished hammer and mottled gray patina. The remaining parts have some cold blue, minor pitting, and gray and brown patina. The stock is very good and has scattered dings and scrapes, partially obscured cartouche on the left, and some chipping and bruising near the forend tip. Mechanically fine.