This is a scarce example of one of the 1,000 experimental Model 1886 carbines manufactured by Springfield Armory for cavalry troop trials. The carbine features a longer 24 inch barrel and nearly full length walnut stock. The stock is fitted with a sling swivel near the butt and the standard carbine sling bar and ring on the left wrist, and the upper barrel band has a curved sling swivel designed to fit closely against the stock when the carbine is placed in a saddle boot that was only used on this model. The buttplate has a trap for a three-piece cleaning rod and ruptured case extractor (not included). It is equipped with a special Buffington rear sight calibrated to 1,700 yards and marked "XC" on the right side of the leaf. The lock plate is marked with the eagle and shield motif in front of the hammer and "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in two-lines. The top of the low arch breechblock is marked: "U.S./Model/1873" in three-lines. The left side of the barrel is stamped with "V/P/eagle head" proof and inspection marks, and a small "P" is also marked at the junction with the receiver. No cartouche is visible on the stock. The Model 1886 was not deemed a significant enough improvement over the traditional carbine and rifle lengths, and thus, the original 1,000 were issued to various cavalry units and further production was halted.

Very good. The carbine mostly displays a dull brown patina and has some traces of original finish and case colors. The stock is good as sanded and repaired. The repaired cracks are just behind the barrel band and both ends of the sling bar. There are also a few dings and nicks throughout. The lock functions fine, and most of the markings are crisp. Very few of these carbines survive given the original 1,000 were issued and used by the U.S. Cavalry.