Model 1877 Springfield Carbine Produced in 1880

Model 1877 Springfield Carbine Produced in 1880.  Serial number 127120, manufactured in the early months of that year.  This carbine with it’s .45 caliber 22 inch barrel has some of the transitional parts from the 1877 model; kept the 1st pattern rare sight, has the new vertical (the back) front sight blade; the 3rd type hammer with lip to insure the thumb latch would remain in place while firing; stacking swivel on barrel bands dropped, and carbines had large “US” stamped on them; The butt plate has the 1880 modification with oblong trap used with the 1880 rifle, and the stock its compartment for tools; and was refitted with the Model 1882 trigger with the corrugated lines.  All other parts are those found on the 1877 model carbine.  The lockplate is the early type with the 1873 date, which Frasca states were still being used on arms with serial numbers observed up to the 99,000 range.  There are several reasons why this carbine would have the earlier style lockplate, but a good number of hard service weapons could have repairs, batch cleanings, etc. for this occurrence.

The stock has no sign of a inspector’s cartouche. One good sized blow to the wood behind the trigger guard on lower left butt, and two holes that indicate a new shoulder sling was attached in modern times. Nothing else was done by this hunter.

Bore needs a cleaning and is very good plus, and mechanics are solid. Typical condition with traces of original finish, and overall very good wood.

In doing some research I found that the possibility that this carbine may have been issued to one of four cavalry regiments; the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 7th.  I have provided the research that will accompany the carbine.  The regiment that has the highest probability is the 4th Cavalry with known serial number issues in the 105,000 to 129,000 range. The 2nd Cavalry would be next with batches received in the 120,000 to 135,000 range. Without an exact hit on the number, I understand the argument that this is only a guestimate of regimental use, but always nice to have the information regardless.

A nice early Springfield carbine that definitely saw Indian War service.