May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
This particular Springfield Model 1873 Carbine was made by Springfield in 1874 and falls into the so-called Custer Range. According to Springfield Research Service "Serial Numbers of Martial Arms Volume 3", this gun is also very close to guns issued to 10th Calvary out of Fort Concho, who were the legendary "Buffalo Soldiers" and to serial numbers issued to 5th Cavalry of Kansas and Nebraska who rode after the Sioux to avenge the Battle of Little Big Horn and later fought the Apache in Arizona. According to John S. DuMonte, carbines such as this, numbered between known guns 16632 and 21607 have a "Strong Probability of Association" as guns possibly used by Custer's 7th Cavalry. Gun has standard length blued round barrel with pinned front sight and 500-yard rear flip sight. Blued two-click action with plate marked "U.S./ SPRINGFIELD/1873 (Eagle)" held with slide bar with saddle ring. High Arch breechblock marked "Model / 1873 / (Eagle with crossed arrows) / U.S." and tang marked with serial number. Standard short comb walnut stock with "U.S." marked correct no compartment buttplate. Correct two-piece trigger guard with no swivel provision and single barrel band with stacking swivel held with band spring. CONDITION: Rifle has all the appearance and consistencies of a rifle heavily used in the West with metal worn to gray patina with surface spotting with hard used edges. Stock has dry appearance with wood grain loss, usually consistent with Western use. Wrist has old glue repair; stock has heavy usage marks. Gun has pitted bore with traces of rifling. Sight is missing elevator clasp. Crisp mechanics possibly updated with two click tumbler. A rifle worthy of research.