December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2024
Manufactured in the 2nd quarter of 1874, this carbine serial number 22873 is within the generally accepted range (under 50000) which could have been issued to Custer's 7th Cavalry prior to the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn. Among the limited serials numbers known, 13 carbines in the 21,000 and 22,000 serial number ranges are listed by John S. du Monte in "Custer Battle Guns" as recorded 7th Cavalry guns. The closest is 22,269, which was turned in by Captain Benteen in 1877 after being rendered unserviceable. This standard early production carbine is fitted with a blued, correctly un-proofed 22" barrel with blade front sight and early style unmarked carbine ladder rear sight. High arch breech block marked "MODEL / 1873 / (eagle head with crossed arrows) / US". Lock with 3 click tumbler and "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873" markings. CONDITION: Fine. Barrel retains greater than 90% arsenal blue with toning and muzzle wear. Breechblock also retains significant portions of oil quenched finish with some cleaned, older oxidation spots. Stock has been cleaned and reoiled, some light impressions remaining. Bore is bright and strong with some light black powder abrasion. Crisp mechanics. A very nice Custer range carbine.