People from different tribes were used as scouts. Working for the U.S. Army was a way to get out of the reservations and confront old enemies. The uniform and weapons were army issue, such as the Spencer Carbine this scout is holding. Scouts regularly combined their own tribal regalia with their issued uniform.

Click on image below to view the actual artifact represented in the sculpture.

This 1860 Spencer Carbine.56/52Cal. civil war gun has significant evidence of Indian use. The stock has been shaved extensively, and the sling bar was removed. Brass tack Plains Indian decoration is classic for the 1870's period. Most of the tacks on this gun are missing, with some broken, although their square shanks are visible.

The Spencer was an Indian favorite, and ammunition was widely available on the frontier.