Product Description
Antique U.S. MAYNARD 2nd Model MASS. ARMS Cavalry SADDLE RING Carbine CIVIL WAR
MARTIALLY INSPECTED “Model 1865”
Here we present an antique U.S. Martially Inspected Maynard Second Model Saddle Ring Cavalry Carbine, made by Massachusetts Arms Co. in Chicopee, Massachusetts, circa 1865. The 2nd Model Maynard carbine is widely regarded as one of the best performing and most accurate of all the cavalry arms used during the Civil War. The well favored, metallic cartridge breech loading carbine was the invention of New Jersey doctor Edward Maynard, who patented his 1st model carbine in 1851. Between 1863 and 1865, the U.S. Ordnance Department contracted for over 20,000 2nd model carbines. Issued mostly to the Federal cavalry, the Maynard proved a lightweight, dependable carbine that saw extensive service in the field.
This Civil War carbine was a streamlined and simplified version of the first model, which was equipped with the Maynard Tape Priming System. Some of the first models were purchased in the South prior to the war. An interesting story regarding the Maynard is recorded in Benjamin Botkin’s “A Civil War Treasury of Tales, Legends & Folklore”, said to be the quote of Private Toby of the 1st Regiment of the Mississippi Army. The tall tale comes from The Intelligencer of Oxford, Mississippi, and at the end, Toby tells his mates “It’s a right big story, boys, but it’s true, sure as shooting. Nothing to do with a Maynard rifle but to load her up, turn her North, and pull the trigger. If twenty of them don’t clean out all Yankeedom, then I’m a liar, that’s all.”
This second model was used by various Union cavalry units. Known significant issue and use occurred in the 9th & 11th Indiana, as well as the 11th Tennessee. It was generally well-liked, owing to its light weight, handling and simplicity. The lever simply tips the barrel down so that the breech is exposed for loading and unloading. Compared to a percussion muzzle-loader, it was much faster to put fire down range. The left side of the frame is marked “EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/MAY 27, 1851/DEC. 6, 1859”. The right side is marked “MANUFACTURED BY/MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS”.
This one is marked “MODEL 1865” as well as having been martially inspected. This is due to the fact that the Massachusetts Arms Co. took unused military carbines and parts to make their Model 1865 “Sporting” carbines which they sold to the general public after the war. The company would go on to update the basic carbine to centerfire variants and continue selling until about 1890.
The overall condition is fine. Original blue finish. The action is excellent. The bore is shiny bright with sharp rifling. The stock shows some handling and remains solid. Clear cartouches and inspection markings throughout.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 20 inches.
Caliber: .50 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$3200
#244027