Lot 249

Wagon Box Fight C. 1865 US Springfield Trapdoor

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
This is an original Allin Conversion First Model 1865 U.S. Springfield, Allin conversion to 50/70 trapdoor rifle marked by Hunkpapa Sioux Wears Fur Coat and attributed to the Wagon Box Fight of August 2nd, 1867. The rifle as examined by Wendell Grangaard from The Guns of History, Inc in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and found to be marked in Lakota Togia language as follows: the name Wears Fur Coat on the left side of the stock (illustration 1), and on the right side of the stock Sitting Bull’s Icira Band mark, a sub-band of the Bad Bows (see illustration 2). Wears Fur Coat, was a Hunkpapa Sioux born in 1840 and was a member of Sitting Bull’s Icira Band as well as rode with Sitting Bull his entire life. He married Beans in 1870 and had three children. Wears Fur Coat participated in many battles and was at the Wagon Box Fight where one soldier lost their rifle. At the side camp of the Waogn Box Fight on August 2, 1867, Wear Fur Coat was with wood choppers / gatherers when some soldiers were killed and 2 rifles were lost. These men were attached to Captain James Powell’s Company C, 27th Infantry. More 1866 rifles were taken from Major Eugene M. Baker at Arrow Creek in late August 1872. Wears Fur Coat later surrendered with Sitting Bull, as indicated on the surrender list. He and his family settled on the Grand River on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota. The rifle is also accompanied by a collection tag that is marked “No Serial # these were 1st used at the Wagon Box Fight. A book, Wagon Box Fight and research booklet accompany this gun / This is an 1859 Springfield converted to an 1861, 50/70 cal. for the military. These were 1st used in the Indian Wars.” The rifle is marked on the receiver plate on the right side, “1865 U.S. SPRINGFIELD (eagle with shield holding olive branch and four arrows mark” as well as “1866” with an eagle head on top of the swing out trapdoor at the breech. Under the trap door is marked “Y”. No serial number present. Left side of barrel is proof marked “S” and “JB”. Each barrel band is proof marked “U”. The crescent metal butte plate is stamped “U.S.” on the top. An inspection cartouche can be found on the left side. The original wood stock shows wonderful high figure. The gun has nice original patina and appears to function well. This is accompanied by the historical examination by Wendell Grangaard as well as illustrations, Wagon Box history and “The Wagon Box Fight: An Episode of Red Cloud’s War” by Jerry Keenan 2000. Antique Firearm requires NO FFL.
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