Springfield M1873 .45-70 "Custer Range" cavalry carbine SN34917 - $5000.00
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Springfield M1873 .45-70 "Custer Range" cavalry carbine. Serial number 34917. Correct unaltered configuration with 1873 dated lock, coarsely knurled hammer, two-click tumbler, "high arch" breechblock with arrows marking, sight with "slotless" screws, smooth trigger, and short comb stock without implement compartment under buttplate. Metal parts have an untouched rust patina overall. Stock shows expected moderate wear and use with marks from handling, and an old wrist break, glued and reinforced with twine repair that appears period and authentic, possibly associate with Indian capture. While records of which units were issued which serial numbers are not available, it is believed that the 7th Cavalry received carbines in the 33000-43700 serial range primarily. When rescue arrived too late for Custer and his men, no guns were found on the battlefield, the Lakota, Cheyenne, and other fighters being presumed to have taken them along with their dead. These reliable firearms no doubt served their owners for many years later. Mechanically good, sold as a collector item only, not warranted safe to shoot.
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