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It was one of the most significant Native American victories in
the history of the West and by far the most famous. Any Native
American firearm that may have been related to this battle is
historically significant and a highly valuable collector’s item. This
gun was likely originally configured as a military carbine like the
others sent by Kittredge to Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri,
and Ohio during the Civil War. It was manufactured c. 1862-1864
and has a tall blade front sight, a tall U-notch rear sight, hole from
the original rear sight just ahead of the latter, the Wesson 1859
and 1862 patent marking partially covered by the rear sight, “B.
KITTREDGE & CO.CINCINNATI. O.” following the patent marking, link
on the right side of the barrel, no visible markings on the frame,
empty tap where the sling swivel would have been fitted, “2247”
twice on the right side of the wrist (lower with the “4” stamped over
a “3”), a small marking in white that reads “33” followed by what
appears to be “PC,” complex tack design on the right side of the stock, an
outline of tacks on the left side, and an extra hole in the crescent buttplate. CONDITION: Good and well above average condition as Native American frontier decorated/modified with gray and brown patina, crack in the sideplate, file marks, and wear overall consistent with real use in the Old West. The period fabricated stock has aged patina on the tacks, one tack head absent, some slivers absent, and some scrapes and dings. The front trigger/opening mechanism is absent; otherwise, it is mechanically fine. This is both an extraordinary historical artifact/ example of an Old West rifle with clearly indisputable documented Native American history that has been passed down through several very well-known Custer Battle collections.
Estimate: 75,000 - 120,000
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