In one C.S. Fly photograph, Geronimo holds two long sticks in his left hand. Would these be tamping rods for the rifle he’s holding?

In one C.S. Fly photograph, Geronimo holds two long sticks in his left hand.  Would these be tamping rods for the rifle he’s holding?

Lanny Tucker
Greensburg, Kentucky

Here’s what True West’s firearms editor Phil Spangenberger says: “Geronimo is holding what appears to be the Model 1873 ‘Long Tom’ .45-70 Springfield trapdoor rifle, minus a cleaning rod under the barrel. The two sticks (usually bound together to form a fork) would be cross sticks for a steady hold and more accurate shooting.”

Marshall Trimble is Arizona’s official historian. His latest book is Wyatt Earp: Showdown at Tombstone. If you have a question, write: Ask the Marshall, P.O. Box 8008, Cave Creek, AZ 85327 or e-mail him at marshall.trimble@sccmail.maricopa.edu