This rifle is early enough to have been used on the Great Plains before the Battle of Little Bighorn. While Custer's men were armed with carbines, some of the men on Reno Hill were armed with Model 1873 rifles, which also saw hard use throughout the Western Indian Wars. It was manufactured in early 1874 with standard markings and features including the correct "ESA" cartouche without a date, in addition to an "M.P.P." within an oval mark on the comb. Includes an M1855 socket bayonet, scabbard with "US" frog, leather sling, and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine, 40% traces of the arsenal refinished blue and 75% of the dark oil quenched case color with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth plum-brown or grey patina. The wood is very good with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout and a chip absent on the left near the upper tang. Mechanically excellent.