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This incident is described in further detail on pages 34-35 of the
included book “Slim Buttes, 1876, An Episode of the Great Sioux War”
by Jerome A. Greene, in which the book states, “On September 4 the
column forded the Little Missouri at the point where Terry and Custer
had camped in May.” Further research indicates this area is located
just south of present day Medora, North Dakota. The book continues,
“Later that day the scouts fought a long-range duel with the Indians,
wounding one warrior and killing a pony. Sporadic fighting again
occurred the next afternoon [September 5, 1876], when the scouts
stumbled upon what proved to be the Indians’ rear guard. It started
when a small number of warriors appeared some distance ahead of
the scouts. The latter, with Major Stanton (the ‘Fighting Paymaster’)
in command, dashed off in pursuit, chasing the Indians for nearly five
miles, until suddenly they were joined by a larger party that turned
and charged the scouts, who precipitately retreated. One scout,
Baptiste (‘Big Bat’) Pourier, whose horse was exhausted, dismounted
and prepared for the worst. Two other scouts, Jack Russell and Baptiste
(‘Little Bat’) Garnier, joined him for the defense, while the others
continued their retreat. Somehow the little band managed to dissuade
the Indians, and after exchanging a dozen or so shots, the warriors
withdrew from the scene.” Page 115 of Bourkes included Volume 2
diaries book mentions that the Sioux village taken during the Battle of
Slim Buttes on September 9, 1876, contained many 7th Cavalry items,
suggesting, “that the Indians of this village had participated in the
Custer Massacre.” This Spencer carbine appears to have been captured
from the same group only four days prior.
This early production Model 1865 Spencer has no provision for a
Stabler cutoff, as seen on approximately half of the production of these
carbines. “M.1865” marked on top of the breech, with small single letter
inspection initials on various components.
CONDITION: Good, showing unmistakable signs of period frontier
use, exhibiting mottled gray and brown patina, scattered light pitting
and general wear, and mostly legible markings in the metal. Stock
is also good as sanded and re-oiled, with numerous scattered scars,
and plenty of character. Mechanically functions. This historic Battle of
the Little Bighorn era Spencer Model 1865 carbine, documented as
turned in by Indian Police/U.S. Army scout Fast Horse, would make a
centerpiece in any historical American firearms or museum collection!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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