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Unique Smith's Patent Breech Loading Civil War Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Unique Smith's Patent Breech Loading Civil War Carbine
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Estimate: $1000 - 2000
The Smith Carbine was manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Co., Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts and was one of the most important Federal Cavalry carbines. Designed by Gilbert Smith, the production of this breech loading percussion carbine was almost entirely consumed by government contracts, with limited numbers going to the civilian market. A total of 30,362 Smith Carbines were purchased by the United States during the Civil War. Smith Carbines were considered to be accurate and reliable weapons. Standard three sets of markings on the left side of the frame "MANUFACTURED BY/MASS ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS.", agents' names "ADDRESS/POULTNEY & TRIMBLE/BALTIMORE U.S.A." and "SMITH'S PATENT/JUNE 23, 1857". This particular carbine is absent of any U.S. Government inspection marks and has fancy burl walnut stock, thus leading writer to believe it was made for presentation. Also, there is no provision for a saddle bar. Dovetail brass blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight absent of yard markings. Breech loading action with barrel release latch inside the trigger guard, freeing the barrel to pivot downward. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip walnut stock with a steel buttplate.
BBL: 21 5/8 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 9550
Condition: Very good. The barrel retains 20% original thin blue finish, mainly found on the octagon portion, with a smooth grayish brown patina. There is some minor pitting on the barrel latch. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth mottled silver gray patina. The highly figured fancy walnut buttstock has been freshened with a coat of varnish and remains very good with some scattered minor dents and dings. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.