This Model 1873 carbine was originally built around early 1875, plenty early enough to have been used at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Most of the early trapdoor carbines saw extensive use on the Great Plains or in the Southwest during the Indian Wars. 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 Indians and many were used in later battles with the U.S. cavalry and for hunting into the 20th century. This example has the standard Model 1873 markings and features including the distinctive high arch breechblock.

Fair as refinished. The metal surfaces retain traces blue finish mixed with brown patina. There are some tooling marks, patches of minor pitting, and scattered minor scratches and dings. The stock has been sanded and refinished and has a minor hairline crack above the nose of the lock, minor chipping around some inlets, and some scratches. It is mechanically fine.