September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
There is no Indian Wars battle more famous, or rather infamous, than Custer's last stand at Little Bighorn in June 1876, captivating historians and collectors from the time of the battle to the present. This trapdoor carbine is a tangible link to this iconic moment in American history, forensically documented by the Custer Battlefield Firearms Identification Project to fired casings recovered from the battlefield. The firing pin's unique chipped face left impressions on each casing when fired allowing for scientific comparison. In the 1980s, an assemblage of casings from 12 different firearms, including some documented to this carbine were recovered north of the Reno-Benteen defensive perimeter, as an included letter states "on the west flank of Sharphooter Hill, between the hill and a low knoll, and in the vicinity of the knoll located about one-half the distance between the army defensive perimeter and Sharpshooter Hill." In 2004, a second group of 18 casings were recovered between Reno Hill and Weir Point in a 2' square area which are a match to this carbine. Photos of the excavation are included among the documentation with this lot. Considering the location of the casings, it is believed this carbine was likely carried by a trooper from Lieutenant Edward Godfrey's K Company, who are documented as covering the retreat from Weir Point. Captain Thomas Weir and Company K went to investigate the sound of gunfire from the direction Custer, riding to the highest point (Weir Point), where they were attacked by Sioux Indians likely under the command of Low Dog. They were forced to retreat as the Indians perused. The troops dismounted and stopped the Indian attack, retreating to the Reno-Benteen entrenchments. This is where the second group of casings was recovered. It is impressive that this trooper was able to fire 18 rounds from his position without moving considering the fierce Indian advance. The included notarized Custer Battlefield Identification Project letter signed by Dr. Douglas D. Scott and Dick Harmon records the specimen numbers of 19 casings recovered which they matched to this carbine. Donald W. Moore's extensive article "This Gun Didn't Run! A Trapdoor Carbine Fired 36 Times at the Battle of the Little Big Horn" about this carbine records 36 total matching casings, 18 from each excavation. It is believed no other carbine has been identified to the battlefield with such a high number of casings. The carbine itself falls into the prime "Custer Range" and was manufactured in the second quarter of 1874. Barrel is correctly unproofed and fitted with pinned blade front sight and 1200 yard graduated ladder rear. The high arch breech block is marked "MODEL / 1873 / US" with eagle head and arrow devices. Early "U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / 1873" marked lockplate with federal eagle. 2 click tumbler. Stock is a long comb field replacement without tool cavity. According to Frasca, Springfield began producing these strengthened stocks in early 1876 for repairs prior to the updated Model 1877 carbine entering production. Fort Lincoln, base of the 7th Cavalry at the time, received 200 stocks, one of which was likely used to repair this carbine after the battle. As would be expected, no final inspection proof is present on the stock, although an encircled "P" is marked on the wrist. Mounts include a barrel band with stacking swivel, saddle ring, 2-piece trigger guard, and solid carbine butt plate. PROVENANCE: Carbine was discovered prior to testing at a California gun show. Ex. Glen Swanson Collection. Julia's Lot 2287 October 2013. CONDITION: Very good. Iron components have a bright patina with some evidence of cleaned older oxidation spotting. Stock is proud to mounts with scattered impressions and a few nicks. A few splits present around the tang. Heavily frosted bore. Fine mechanics. A truly outstanding, forensically documented Custer battlefield carbine. A rare opportunity for the advanced collector or museum to acquire a true piece of American history.
Paperwork
Letter, Research