Springfield Custer Range Trapdoor Indian Star Marked carbine (AL3612)

Springfield Custer Range Trapdoor Indian Star Marked carbine. All correct First Model Springfield trapdoor carbine. This is serial number 34134 and is in the Custer range. This is a very unique gun in that it has the 5 pointed Sioux Indian marking. This marking has very special and spiritual significance in the Sioux culture. This marking has been seen in ceremonial clothing and objects in both the Hunkpapa Sioux and Lakota Sioux. While star markings are not unique to just Sioux Indians, as they can be found in Cheyenne and Arapahoe items among others, this particular star the round center is unique to the Sioux. In the article by Robert Smith found in Man At Arms Magazine August of 1995 issue, he makes the argument that since several of this guns have been found which are in the Custer range, these guns may be trophy’s from the Little Big Horn battle. All of the guns found with this marking are in original first model configuration, meaning they were never returned to an arsenal; therefore, they were lost or captured weapons. The Indians who participated in the battle were understandably proud and would have most likely wanted to decorate their gun. Since we know that the star symbol was sacred to the Sioux and the only guns that have the marking are in the Custer range, it stands to reason that these are survivors of the Custer battle. Overall this gun has a gray patina. The wood shows normal handling marks and the cartouche is faint but visible. There is a hip to the left of the tang where an inch or so long piece of wood is missing. This happened during the period of use. While we cannot say with 100% certainty this weapon is a Little Bighorn survivor, it is basically proven that this first model carbine is Sioux used. This is a great historical Indian gun that most scholars think has a pretty good chance of being a gun used at the Little Bighorn!