The lot features an Oglala Sioux tacked Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine from Indian Scout Lone Bear from Lieutenant Charles W. Taylor’s U.S. 9th Cavalry. This is a Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor in original Saddle Ring Carbine form chambered in .45-70 and serial number of 163388 being manufactured in 1881. The carbine rifle shows square shank original brass trade tacks on both sides of the stock and forestock including the cross on the stock which stands for the Oyuhkpe Band of Crazy Horse and a line of tacks which are considered Oglala Prayer Buttons.
In addition to the identified brass tacking the rifle was examined by The Guns of History and found to have Togia Lakota language marks for Lone Bear Oglala on the right and left sides of the stock.
A copy of Lone Bear’s enlistment as an Indian Scout and a copy of a photograph showing Lieutenant Charles W. Taylor and his U.S. 9th Cavalry Indian Scouts including Lone Bear all holding Springfield Trapdoor Carbines is included.
Lone Bear was an Oglala Sioux born in 1847 and belonged to the Wazhaza Band. Lone Bear rode with Crazy Horse in many battles and surrendered with him at Fort Robinson in May 1877. He was a member of the Oyukhkpe Band of Crazy Horse. While at Fort Robinson, Lone Bear enlisted as an Indian Scout on July 1, 1877 and enrolled in Company B and later quite the scouting unit after Crazy Horses murder in September 1877. In 1879, he joined the Pine Ridge Reservation Akicitas – the Pine Ridge Indian Police. Lone Bear enlisted again as a scout on January 12, 1891, for Lieutenant Charles W. Taylor’s U.S. 9th Cavalry. Truly a fantastic Oglala Crazy Horse Warrior Band brass tacked Springfield SRC that was issued for Indian Scout use and marked by Lone Bear. Antique Firearm NO FFL.