Antique SMITH Cavalry .50 CARBINE from CIVIL WAR Extensively Used by Many Cavalry Units During War

Product Description

Antique SMITH Cavalry .50 CARBINE from CIVIL WAR

Extensively Used by Many Cavalry Units During War

Here we present an antique Smith’s Patent Carbine, made circa 1863 by Massachusetts Arms Co. of Chicopee Falls, Mass. About 30,000 of these carbines were made and almost all of them were used in the Union cavalry of the American Civil War. The designer was Dr. Gilbert Smith of New York. His design featured a simple break open action, providing a single shot, utilizing a cartridge made of rubber. While many different cartridges were in use simultaneously during the war—which must have been a logistical nightmare—the rubber cartridge was both a nuisance to the shooter who had to get the hot gummy thing out of the chamber once fired, as well as to the ammunition manufacturer, who had to acquire rubber from distant places. In place of rubber, many other materials were also tried.

According to Flayderman, the Smith Carbine was known to have been utilized in number by the 3^rd West Virginia, 7^th and 11^th Illinois, 1^st Connecticut, 7^th and 17^th Pennsylvania, 6^th and 9^th Ohio, and 1^st Massachusetts Cavalries.

This specimen is marked “SMITH PATENT/JUNE 23, 1857”, “MANUFACTURED BY/MASS ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS”, and “ADDRESS/POULTNEY & TRIMBLE/BALTIMORE U.S.A.” Poultney & Trimble were Smith’s agents employed to facilitate military contract sales. Clear inspector cartouches from John Maggs remain.

The overall condition is very good. 85% of the original blue finish remains, turning dark with age. Much of the original case coloring is bright. The markings are clear. The numbers match. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. The walnut stock has been repaired at the wrist, both top and bottom. The action remains excellent.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 21-5/8 inches in length.

Caliber: .50

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$2650
#190140