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." Captain Henry Jackson who turned this carbine in as unserviceable was on detached service in Washington, D.C., at the time of the Battle of the Little Bighorn and commanded Troop C for over 14 years following Little Bighorn, including at Wounded Knee. At the Little Bighorn, Troop C of the 7th Cavalry was officially led by Capt. Thomas W. Custer, a younger brother of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, and was part of Custer's Battalion during the battle. Since Capt. Custer served as his brother's aid-de-camp, the command during the actual fight fell to Lt. Henry Harrington. Per the National Park Service, Troop C, I, and L were sent down Medicine Trail Coulee towards the village before they came under heavy fire. They were overrun and killed in the coulee and on Calhoun Hill. Custer led his remaining companies towards Last Stand Hill. 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 forces of the Arapaho, Northern Cheyenne, and Lakota. The warriors then turned their attention back to Reno and Benteen's men and kept them pinned down until retiring and making their escape. On June 27, 1876, Reno and Benteen's men and General Terry's relief column discovered the bodies of nearly 200 of Custer's men, many unrecognizable, and hastily buried them. Given its issuance to Troop C and subsequent recovery damaged, it is very likely that this carbine was carried into battle at the Little Bighorn by one of Custer's ill-fated men. Since the carbine is noted as having the stock broken but was recovered, it may have been damaged in the battle itself, possibly after being used as a club or crushed by horse. Unfortunately the exact nature of the damage is not known. With the stock damaged, it may have been deemed unworthy of salvaging by the warriors. Another possibility is that it was damaged by one of Troop C's troopers that were detached during the battle. Some of these men were with the pack train and/or participated in the hill top fight with Reno. One of these men was Peter Thompson. His horse gave out as they reached the battlefield and fell behind. He and James Watson joined Reno on the bluff after the initial attack and was wounded in the hand and arm but continued to take trips outside of the lines to retrieve water for the many wounded men under Reno's command and was awarded the Medal of Honor. Another possibility is that it was damaged by troopers after the battle when they were locating and burying the dead. Sgt. John M. Ryan wrote, "We took all the extra guns belonging to the dead and wounded, broke the stocks off them, and built a fire and threw them into it. We also destroyed all the extra saddles and bridles, as we had no way of carrying them. Terry's men removed their clothing and carried our wounded men all down from the bluffs to their camp. After destroying the guns, we examined the horses thoroughly, and any of them that had been wounded and would not live, we killed. Some of the men hated to part with their horses, but there was nothing else to do." This post-battle destruction combined with the fact that most of the weapon of Custer's battalion are believed to have been captured by the victorious Arapaho, Lakota, and Northern Cheyenne warriors has left very few genuine 7th Cavalry carbines for collectors. A genuine 7th Cavalry documented trapdoor is would certainly be among the most prized possessions for a serious trapdoor or U.S. military collector. Paired with the relevant accoutrements and perhaps even a documented 7th Cavalry Colt Single Action Army, this historic carbine would make for a museum level display focused on one of the most famous battles ever fought in North America.

Good with traces of original finish, mostly mottled gray and brown patina, moderate wear, light pitting, and chips and slivers absent from the stock. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare opportunity to get your hands on a genuine 7th Cavalry Trapdoor Carbine documented by serial number in the National Archives as received from Captain Henry Jackson, 7th Cavalry and collected by the Chief Ordnance Officer of the Dept. of Dakota during the Indian Wars. This is the best documentation you can ever hope for!