CIVIL WAR Antique MASS. ARMS CO. 2nd Model MAYNARD 1863 Cavalry SR Carbine .50 Caliber Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine

Product Description

CIVIL WAR Antique MASS. ARMS CO.  2^nd Model MAYNARD 1863 Cavalry SR Carbine

.50 Caliber Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine

Here we present an antique Maynard Second Model 1863 Cavalry percussion carbine, made by Massachusetts Arms Co. in Chicopee, Massachusetts, circa 1863. The 2^nd 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 1^st model carbine in 1851. Between 1863 and 1865, the US Ordnance Department contracted for over 20,000 2^nd 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 model was 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 1^st 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 Maynard rifle but to load her up, turn her North, and pull trigger. If twenty of them don’t clean out all Yankeedom, then I’m a liar, that’s all.”

This example represents a fairly early production of the second model and used by various Union cavalry. Known significant issue and use occurred in the 9^th & 11^th Indiana, as well as the 11^th 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”.

The overall condition is near fine. Original finish and patina. The action is strong. The bore is bright with nice rifling. The two cartouches on the left stock, “GHS” & “JM”, remain legible. There is a hand carved “R.C.” on the right buttstock. This is a really nice example of one of the primary cavalry weapons of the American Civil War!

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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$2885
#201331