This is an original U.S. Burnside 1864 5th Model Breechloading saddle ring carbine issued to the U.S. Union Cavalry Soldiers during the Civil War and later on the plains during the Indian Wars, attributed to Northern Cheyenne Big Horse. This carbine was produced in 1863 and is a scarce three-digit serial number of 274, 5th Model variation with 21-inch round barrel chambered in .54 caliber with saddle ring carbine slide on the side. The gun was examined by The Guns of History and found to be signed in Lakota Togia language by Northern Cheyenne warrior Big Horse. Big Horse was a Northern Cheyenne born in 1845 and was a member of Gentle Horse’s Band. Per testimony told to George Bird Grinnell by Big Horse: In March the Cheyenne were camped at the Powder River when a they were attacked by a Crow raiding party. Next morning Chief Gentle Horse led a party of warriors against the Crow and drove them into a cave in the rocks. They smoked the Crow out. At one point one of the Crow warrior’s ran out and attacked Big Horse with a butcher knife to no avail, striking his metal breastplate. Big Horse killed the Crow and the Cheyenne overtook the rest of the Crow taking their weapons. It is believed that this Burnside was taken by Big Horse at this time. Marked on the right and left sides of the stock with Big Horse Cheyenne (illustrations 1 and 2). The rifle is marked on the top of the breech receiver, “BURNSIDE PATENT / MODEL OF 1864” and on the falling block “274”. The right side of the receiver lock is marked, “BURNSIDE RIFLE Co. / PROVIDENC R.I.”. There are several “H” inspection marks amongst others on the metal. The breech loading block lever as well as the hammer and trigger appear to function. The trigger clicks back twice. Signed paperwork is included. Antique firearm NO FFL.