Excellent Civil War Era Smith Carbine

The Smith carbine is a single-shot, breech loading, percussion firearm used by Federal mounted forces during the US Civil War. It is a .50 calibre, capping breech loading carbine invented and patented by physician Gilbert Smith of Buttermilk Falls, New York in late 1855. In very superb condition, this Smith carbine measures 39½” long overall and weighs a hefty seven pounds and eight ounces. The two piece black walnut stock is made up of a 9” forearm held by a single barrel band. Stock is excellent with original feathering still in effect. A fine crisp government cartouche stamped at the left side of stock at the wrist area. The blued, 28 5/8” long barrel wears a dark blue grey patina overall. Barrel features an octagonal portion under the forearm with the remaining length rounded forward of the barrel band. Receiver and hammer still exhibits some case colours.
Carbine has the original, folding single leaf rear sight with the “V” notch bar, the brass blade front sight and the saddle ring and sling bar. Left side of the barrel breech facet shows inspector marks “J.H.” while the left side of frame above the sling bar exhibits the following stamping, “ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMBLE / BALTIMORE, U.S.A.” Found below the bar are markings “MANUFACTURED BY / AM’N M’CH’N WKS / SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” Stampings under the sling bar read, “SMITH’S PATENT. / JUNE 23, 1857.” All stampings are clear and strong. Serial number (5044) stamped on the bottom of the barrel / receiver hinge plate. Carbine exhibits very crisp mechanics. Bore is bright and sharp. Smith carbines saw extensive service with the following cavalry regiments: 1st Massachusetts, 6th and 9th Ohio, 1st Connecticut, 7th and 17th PA, 7th and 11th Illinois and the 3rd West Virginia Regiments. This Smith Carbine is an excellent example of a US Civil War military rifle that would be very difficult to better.

Code: 50210