#108 • US Springfield Model 1873 Carbine marked "The Ziegler Polar Expedition"

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $500.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

45-70 caliber, 22" round barrel, S/N 39148. The Ziegler Polar Expedition also known as the, Fiala Expedition, was a polar expedition from 1903 - 1905 to reach the North Pole.  Heavily financed by William Zielgler and led by Fiala, this expedition became an extreme survival story after being stranded in the remote artic for nearly 2 years. Departing Norway on a master steam yacht in June of 1903 months later were struck by diaster.  By November of that year, the ship was to anchor for the winter.  Due to extreme weather, raising sea levels the yacht was battered and frozen to an ice pack.  Although frozen to an ice pack, there were several attempts to reach the North Pole by traversing ice packs.  However, due to the rough terrain and continued extreme weather all attempts were unsuccessful.  By 1905, the crew decided to move south to Cape Flora to increase their chances of rescue. Enduring extreme weather and ice all but 1 of the 39 crew members survived.  Interesting enough, the rescue vessel was the Terra Nova, the same ship used to reach the South Pole. The barrel has a large "V P Eagle". This carbine has the model 73 rear barrel sight and early style breechblock. Marked with "Model 1873 Crossed arrows" along with "Eagle and US".  Square shoulder receiver and breechblock. The hammer with a large "C".  Lockplate with early markings and the "1873" date.  The saddle bar was ground off leaving the bases still in the stock.  The stock is early 73 style with long wrist and short comb.  The stacking swivel has been removed from the front band.  The right side of the stock with branded markings "ZIEGLER POLAR EXPEDITION".  The metal has been arsenal refinished and the stock was cleaned.  The stock retains a legible "ESA" cartouche and a circle "P" behind the triggerguard.  A large font size number "8" stamped into the left side of the stock in line with the cartouche.  Surplus Trapdoor Carbines were purchased from Springfield Arsenal by Anthony Fiala.  The purpose of the purchase was for the largest caliber to be used kill a polar bear if attacked.  There is a book on this subject and speaks directly to the purchase of these arms.  This carbine was used early in the Indian Wars and was refinished and used on this expedition.