November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
"Custer" Range Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor carbine. Made May of 1874 in the correct serial number range for a carbine used by the 7th Cavalry at Little Big Horn. This carbine is of great note as it falls in the range of 16,000-22,000, which according to The .45-70 Springfield by Albert Frasca, are where most of the carbines used by General Custer's men fall. This is further supported by an article from John Dumont's book "Custer Battle Guns" page 94 by Wiley Sword, a noted historian and Custer gun expert, who grades these guns in various probabilities as to being authentic Custer guns. Accordingly, this gun falls into "Class II" which is puts this gun at a "Strong Probability of Association" being serial numbered between known gun #16632 and #21607. Lock plate reads "MODEL / 1873 / (Eagle head) / (Crossed Arrows) / US". Correct rear sight, with the base going to 500 yards and leaf to 1200 yards. No barrel proofs, which is correct for an 1873 carbine made in 1874. No stock cartouche or firing proof below the trigger plate, but is the correct having a short comb. Smooth metal butt plate, correctly with no storage area for cleaning tools. "U.S." stamped on top of the butt plate. "OHH" stamped on the comb, just in front of the butt plate. Correct smooth trigger and knurled hammer. Correct 22" barrel, in addition to the correct saddle ring and bar. Comes with copy of Wiley Sword article. CONDITION: Metal retains little to none of its original finish with patina covering most of the metal surfaces. Stock shows heavy signs of use, with multiple scrapes, scratches and gouges. Bore has some minor discoloration, but retains sharp rifling for its age. Mechanically fine. An overall nice example of a rifle possibly used in a historically significant event. JWA
Caliber/Bore
.45-70 Government
Paperwork
Book Photocopies