American militaria collectors will be treated to a host of George Custer memorabilia, including his army-issue Spencer Carbine rifle, at Heritage Auctions' Political, Western Legends & American Memorabilia Signature auction, which will be held on December 11 in Dallas.

The weapon, which is believed to have belonged to Custer during the Indian wars, will be sold with a $50,000+ estimate.

Custer wrote in his autobiography: "Leaping from my bed I grabbed my trusty Spencer which was always by my side."

Any item from George Custer is coveted by collectors, especially his firearms and particularly those from his military days. The Spencer Carbine pre-dates Custer's period at Fort Abraham Lincoln - which would lead to his death at the Battle of Little Bighorn - but is believed to have been used in his decisive victory at the Battle of Washita.

The gun was once part of the collection of Dr Lawrence A Frost, who once owned the world's most extensive collection of Custer memorabilia. It featured in Frost's 1968 Book, The Court-Martial of George Armstrong Custer, and is accompanied by an identification tag in the author's hand.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the firearm is the "G. Custer - 7 Cav USA" inscription which is carved into the stock. While it is impossible to determine if the inscription was carved by Custer himself, its patina shows that it was completed a long time ago and that the gun saw considerable usage after it was carved.

Remington painted numerous Custer works, including his famous Last Stand

The top lot among the Custer memorabilia is Frederick Remington's original oil painting of Custer leading the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of Washita. Painted 20 years after the 1868 battle took place as an illustration for an Edward Eggleston book, it is expected to sell for $300,000-400,000.

Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering an extremely rare example of George Custer's autograph - see more of our outstanding militaria here.