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Springfield 1873 Carbine Native American

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:825.00 USD Estimated At:1,650.00 - 2,600.00 USD
Springfield 1873 Carbine Native American
Auction Only Available to USA Residents
SN: 148691 45-70 Carbine. Single-Shot. Breech-Block action. Native American use. Produced 1873-1884. This one manufactured in 1881. Cavalry carbine with 22" round barrel. Early "Indian Wars Carbine". Type used at the Little Big Horn. Lock plate marked with Eagle, and "U.S. Springfield. Hinged "Trapdoor" stamped "U.S. model 1873". "VP Eagle proof on lower barrel. Serial number on breech block. Barrel band stamped "U". Correct ladder/slide rear sight stamped "C" for carbine. "SWP 1880" cartouche is visible on the left wrist. U.S. marked, hinged buttplate. This carbine has been adorned with Native American decorations including brass tacks in the buttstock, some of which have the heads broken off. The cracked wrist has been repaired with hide stitched with sinew. Attached to the saddle ring with sinew is a 2.5' hide disc adorned with a "Swastika". Widely used Native American symbol, especially the Navajo and Pima tribes Various meanings, but to some a sacred image used in healing rituals. Also attached to the ring with sinew is two red beads with bone in between with a bear claw at the end. Unknown meanings. This carbine has seen very hard use which is consistent with use by Native Americans. Bore is rough/dark with rifling present. Breech block and hammer lock up tight, The metal is a pitted brown patina. "U.S". marked trapdoor buttplate with scarce cleaning rod. Rear sight slider is frozen in place. All markings are faint but readable. The Native American decorations appear to have been on the gun a very long time. As I am no expert, please look carefully at photos. A correct late Indian Wars carbine that appears to have been used by a Native American in that time period.
NRA Condition-Fair to Good.
Antique Firearm.