April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Produced in the first quarter of 1875, this correctly configured trapdoor carbine, serial number 39028, falls within the accepted range of known carbines issued to Custer's infamous 7th Cavalry prior to the 1876 Battle of Little Big Horn with 43617 being the highest recorded number. Among the known serial numbers listed by John S. du Monte in "Custer Battle Guns" this carbine is less than 150 numbers from carbine 38853, which was turned in by Captain Benteen after being rendered unserviceable by the battle and following campaigns of 1876, and another recorded carbine 39149. It is fit a correctly unproofed 22" round barrel chambered in .45-70 with blade front sight and early carbine rear, the rear sight having its ladder broken off. Standard oil quenched low arch breech block marked "U.S. / MODEL / 1873". The lock is marked with federal eagle, "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873" stampings, and is fit with a 3-position tumbler. Stocked in walnut with a nearly illegible oval "ESA" cartouche stamped on the left flat and an encircled script "P" firing proof on the wrist. Iron mounts include a single barrel band missing the stacking swivel, saddle ring and bar, 2-piece trigger guard, and "US" carbine butt plate without a trap. CONDITION: Good overall. Metal has largely drifted to a plum brown patina throughout mixed with some added finish, with some minor spots of oxidation also present. The stock shows some honest period wear with scattered bruises. Bore is bright exhibiting well defined rifling. Mechanically fine. An early carbine showing period use that very possibly could have participated in the most famous battle of the Indian Wars.
Caliber/Bore
.45-70 Government