Lot 35

Desirable Custer Range U.S. Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Carbine

Previous image preload Next image preload

Desirable Custer Range U.S. Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Carbine

Estimate: $6,000 - $10,000

Starting Bid: $5,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Desirable Early Custer Range U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine The Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor carbines are directly linked to the Battle of the Little Bighorn and George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry who carried them. In terms of the American Indian Wars in the late 19th century, no battle is as famous as the Battle of the Little Bighorn fought between June 25-26, 1876, during the Great Sioux War of 1876 (aka the Black Hills War). The "Battle of the Greasy Grass" as it was known to Native Americans was one of the greatest battlefield victories in Native American history and one of the worst defeats in U.S. history. In the battle, the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho fought off an attack and then pursued and defeated the 7th Cavalry, including destroying Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer's immediate command. Aside from the scouts and a few troopers detached prior to the battle, Custer's battalion was entirely wiped out by the much larger combined native forces. Often cited are the “large number” of empty cartridges found at the Battle of Little Big Horn which exhibited signs of malfunction. Such examples were found; however, they are a small percentage (barely more than 3% by some counts) of the thousands rounds that were fired in that battle. This was due in large part to the use of a copper alloy (“Bloomfield Gilding Metal”) in the manufacture of the ammunition’s case. Springfield introduced the compartment, cleaning rod, and extractor following the disastrous Battle of the Little Bighorn and reports of carbines taken out of action by stuck shells. Custer was already a very well-known military leader, but his death fighting alongside his command against a superior number of native warriors secured his place in history and has made "Custer's Last Stand" one of the most iconic legends of the American West. The Model 1873 carbine was the standard issue longarm of all U.S. Cavalry units from 1874 to 1896, effectively throughout the Indian Wars and fell into the hands of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and other tribes. All of the approximately 250 7th Cavalry carbines are presumed to have been picked up by the Indians as none were found on the battlefield, with many being used over the next several decades in further battles as well as hunts. Model 1873 carbines falling below the serial number 43700 are accepted as a 7th Cavalry candidate. The carbine features a blade front sight, correct ladder rear sight graduated to 1,200 yards, narrow Model 1873 receiver, "MODEL/1873" above an eagle head and crossed arrows above "US" on top of the high arch breech block, federal eagle and "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/1873" marked lock with three-click tumbler, long wrist stock with 9 inch comb, left mounted saddle bar (absent ring), circled script "P" firing proof stamped behind the lower tang, and a solid buttplate correctly without a compartment.

Manufacturer: Springfield Armory U.S.

Model: 1873

BBL: 22 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 45-70 Government

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number6513

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good, showing unmistakable signs of period use with a proper fresh appearance, retains 20% original blue finish on the protected areas of the receiver and breech block, with mottled gray and brown patina, pitting, and distinct markings in the metal. The stock is good, with dings, scars, a few minor hairlines, and a lightly visible cartouche. Mechanically functions. A desirable example of a Custer range Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor carbine worthy of any historic U.S. military firearms collection!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000