This model 1873 Springfield carbine has retained all the correct early model 1873 features: Early 1873 lock plate, trigger and guard, high arch breech block with 1873 stamp, eagle head and crossed arrows, 1874 early rear sight with outscrew slots, the 1875 hammer with three position tumbler, the smooth trigger, barrel band with dated stacking swivel, early barrel without proofing and has flat end etc. The trapdoors with Reno and Benteens units and others found on the battlefield that were serviceable went back to the units.Īny surviving 73s were given a new stronger 1877 stock from the Springfield Arsenal, this was to replace the weaker stock still being used in the field. He began working at the Springfield from 1853-1878 and he replaced the weaker stock with a Model 1877 stock.Īfter the Battle of the Little Big Horn, all carbines found on the battlefield that were damaged and not serviceable were burned and buried. Left side of stock has the ESA 1877 cartouche in oval, standing for Erskine S.
#1873 SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR CARTOUCHE SERIAL NUMBER#
The carbine itself falls right into the middle of the Custer serial number range and has all the original parts from when it was made, except for the stock which was updated to a sturdier 1877 stock. One of the weapons mentioned in that article was a Model 1873 Springfield.45-70 carbine found near the Little Big Horn battlefield in 1904 with serial number 41743.Ī letter from the National Park Service, confirming that this was in the proper serial number range for a Custer Era carbine, a letter from the Associate Curator of the Smithsonian discussing the serial number range of the Custer carbines, a list of turned in carbines, on which this gun does not appear, a master table of Little Big Horn serial numbers, a rare auction catalog of the personal collection of Custer related material belonging to Dale Anderson, and two early collectors Springfield Research Service serial number books. This carbine, serial numbered 41737, is only six numbers off the documented battlefield carbine, which was 41743.Īdditionally, the carbine is accompanied by the following: A original copy of the 1970s magazine Guns of the World that published the article entitled The Story of Two Guns. They show all the correct early parts with the exception of the stock. There is a diagram pointing to ever aspect of this carbine, describing to what period of carbine it was originally issued.Īccording to the research an early 1877 stock was sent to units in the field to replace the weaker 1873 stocks.
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