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LOT 42
Historic Documented 7th Cavalry Troop C Battle of the Little Bighorn Era U.S. Springfield Model 1873
Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine Recovered from Captain Henry Jackson of the 7th Cavalry in 1877 - Serial
no. 12221, 45-70 Government cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This historic trapdoor
carbine was manufactured in 1875 and is one of the few carbines documented as issued to Troop C of the U.S. 7th
Cavalry. It was turned in as unserviceable in 1877 due to a broken stock and was sent to Springfield Armory for
repair. It has the blade front sight on the raised block, a single “U” marked barrel band, notch
and ladder rear sight graduated 1-5 on the right side of the base and 6-12 on the ladder,
“MODEL/1873/eagle head/crossed arrows/US” marked on top of the high
arch breechblock, serial number “12221” on top at the breech, the eagle
and shield motif and “US/SPRINGFIELD/1873” marked on the two-click
lock, a saddle ring and bar mounted to the left, an oval “ESA” cartouche on
the left above the trigger, a circled “P” behind the trigger guard tang, “7”
marked at the heel, and “US” marked carbine buttplate. Includes a canvas
and leather case.
The included Springfield Research Service letter confirms it was issued
to Troop C of the 7th Cavalry during the Indian Wars. It further notes that
“Carbine no. 12221 was one of 9 unserviceable Springfield cal. .45 carbines
received from Capt. Henry Jackson, 7th Cav., and collected by the Chief
Ordnance Officer, Dept. of Dakota, during the 2nd quarter of 1877. These
carbines were subjected to a Board of Survey that convened at Ft. Totten,
Dakota Territory, on March 20, 1877. This Board found that these carbines had broken
stocks. Although not specifically stated in the report of the Board, it is very likely that these carbines were rendered
unserviceable at the Battle of Little Big Horn, Montana Territory, on June 25 & 26, 1876, as were other weapons
surveyed at about the same time. All of these unserviceable arms were sent to Springfield Armory, where they were
examined with the object of determining whether any changes were needed.” The carbine is identified by serial
number in published lists of 7th U.S. Cavalry Carbines returned after the Battle of the Little Bighorn and is identified
in records as shipped to Springfield on 4/8/1877. See for example “Springfield Research Service Serial Numbers of U.S.
Martial Arms Volume 2.”
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