Although the precise history of these rare Confederate carbines remains a bit murky, existing records validate that 183 guns were delivered against an original contract for 1000. The strong similarity of these guns to the J. P. Murray carbine, and the belief that John D. Gray, the proprietor of the Columbus Armory, was the brother of William C. Gray, one of the partners in J. P. Murray, would certainly indicate a strong association between these two firms. Only two of these exist that are actually marked.

The 24" barrel is marked with a P at the top left of the breech and a Maltese cross on the underside. The M1841 style lock is unmarked with the exception of a dot 6 on the inside of the lockplate and on the hammer. The barrel tang screw bears this same mark. Both lock screws are marked with the Roman numeral VII and the number 17 are stamped in the wood by the barrel tang. The brass trigger guard, butt plate, side plate and bands, including the double strap front band, exhibit a nice dark untouched patina. It is probable the front band spring is a replacement. All other metal smooth with a very nice dark untouched patina, just some light cleaning at the breech, apparently to expose the markings, minor. The walnut stock shows honest use with a dark untouched patina. A letter W is carved on the left side of the butt and there is a very old 2½" crack that extends from the front lock screw along the fore end. V-notch rear sight, small brass blade front sight. The ramrod, while possibly not original, is unquestionably period and probably a field expedient replacement. Retains both original sling swivels. Mechanically the main spring is a bit weak but functioning, very good bore. A very nice, generally untouched example of this extremely rare Confederate carbine with but a handful of known specimens.

In 2006 a marked example sold at Julia's for $86,250 and in 2007 an unmarked example sold for $21,600.

(G2617) ORIGINALLY $18,500.00
REDUCED TO $14,000.00

Overall length is approx 34 inches long. Barrel is smoothbore and measures approx 19.75 inches. The bore is .70 caliber. Butt plate, nose cap and trigger guard are brass. Iron lock and hammer. Only marking on the lock is a small "JB" over the number 40 in a depressed circle. This marking is near the top edge of the lock close to the hammer. Hammer is marked with "PA" below a crown. There is also an "A" in a square. The hammer will stop at half cock but does not hold. Full cock works fine. Left side of barrel is stamped "1840." Original nipple is present. Rear site is marked for 100 yards with one flip up leaf marked for 200. The wood on the opposite side of the lock is stamped with the number 6386. The buttplate is marked on the tang "9" "179" "1867." One sling swivel is mounted directly to the barrel while the other is on the stock to the rear of the trigger gaurd tang. This lower swivel also rotates 180 degrees. Short stock runs halfway up the barrel and ends with a nice brass nose cap. Wood is in good condtion with moderate scratches usually found on a weapon of this age. Cheek well on left side of butt has three of the same inspector marks "NST." Nothing glaring. The brass butt plate shows heavy scratching. Looks like purposely drawn thin lines and there is some wear around the nipple. This weapon was used.

(G2678) $950.00

Carbine is in good condition with excellent bore. Wood surfaces have usual wear. Butt has "Thomas C" carved into the wood with a design that looks to be an attempt at a heart. Inspectors cartouche is partially worn. All markings are present. Metal surfaces are clean with some light age discoloration. Very light case color visible on parts of the frame. More on barrel band. Saddle ring and bar on opposite side of lock, lower swivel is also present. Butt plate is dark but in nice shape. Lock action is good and nipple is original. Loading action also works well. Serial numbers match. Overall a nice solid example.

(G2706) $1,595.00

The design of this carbine was Ambrose E. Burnside who was a famous general during the civil war. Bristol Firearms Co first manufactured Burnside carbines and later it was the Burnside Rifle Co. Between 1857 and 1865 approximately 53,800 carbines were manufactured by these firms. All were 54 caliber and used either a copper casing or tapered foil cartridge. Collectors and writers have categorized the Burnside into five models.

Offered is the 5th or Model of 1864 Burnside. Though deliveries were made in 1863, the top of the frame is marked BURNSIDE PATENT / MODEL OF 1864. Other markings are CAST STEEL 186? on the barrel, and the lockplate is marked BURNSIDE RIFLE CO / PROVIDENCE = R.I. Finish was a casehardened frame and a blued barrel.

Offered is a 5th Model Burnside with serial number 10192 marked on both the frame and breech. The gun has a dusky gray peppery patina throughout the metal parts. Some dark age spots but no heavy rust. The bore is semi-bright with good rifling. Many sub-inspector marks on various parts and two light but visible cartouches on the stock. The stock is in good condition with normal nicks and scratches from a gun that saw service. This is a nice example of a Burnside that will not be here long.

(200-277) ORIGINALLY $1,950.00
REDUCED TO $1,560.00

Presented here is a seldom-seen, British Pattern 1858 Artillery Carbine in very good original condition. This classic, original English short arm is an 1862-dated, 'Tower' marked Enfield Pattern 1858 specimen in .577 caliber manufactured by Tower, a private Birmingham, England arms facility. In excellent condition, this single-shot, muzzleloading, three-grooved rifled carbine measures a total length of 40" and features a 24" long barrel mated to a black walnut stock. The lockplate surface is dark gray and exhibits a mottled mild peppery look from scattered fine rust pitting. No original case colors remain. Lock markings bear the standard Victoria monogram of a "crown" back of the hammer but without the 'V R', indicating a likely British export. Sharp block letters "TOWER / 1862" are displayed on the lockplate in front of the hammer. Mechanics are strong and crisp. Barrel surface appears to never have been cleaned and wears a pleasing dark, brown-plum even patina. The export proof marks on the left side of barrel breech are strong and clear and exhibit a provisional proof mark, a gauge mark (25) for .577 caliber, viewer's marks, and another gauge stamp. Upper swivel is mounted to the upper barrel band while the lower swivel is fastened to the toe of the buttstock.

Buttplate, stock cap, trigger guard and the distinct side screw washers are all polished brass and all wear a dark bronze patina. The short, straight ramrod features a long, un-slotted cylindrical head with an end that is missing its threaded tip. Ramrod is also inspector stamped with "1 3 3". Rear sight has a notched base with two leaves graduated at 100, 200 and 300 yards. Oiled black walnut stock is in excellent strong condition and exhibits a surface that is dark and uncleaned. The main contractor has stamped its name "B. WOODWARD & SONS" on the underside of the butt stock. The ramrod channel in the stock bears a government viewer's mark (I I I ) and also a contractor's initials (EW). No cracks visible in the stock but it does show numerous minor dings, dents and light scuffs from age and use. Even retains the original nipple protector and its linked chain. This excellent Enfield Pattern 1858 'Tower' -marked Artillery Carbine would make a fine collectible. Seldom seen as nice.

(169-210) $4,500.00

Cal. .52. S/N 4237, all matching. The lock and receiver and loading lever retain approx. 100% of their case color. All markings typical to this model are sharp and clear. Crisp mechanics. Bright and sharp bore that appears unfired. The barrel retains virtually all of its original blue, which shows some very light natural aging. The butt plate shows approx. 50% blue mixing with age patina. The stock shows little handling with only a few very light marks. The factory surface and finish remains untouched. Crisp clear cartouche. This is an Excellent Plus example of the Type II Gwyn & Campbell.

(G2456) ORIGINALLY $5,750.00
REDUCED TO $4,950.00

The Joslyn carbine Model 1862, often referred to as the First Model, was a cavalry weapon that used an innovative pivoting breechblock system invented and patented by Massachusetts gun designer Benjamin Franklin Joslyn in 1861. His company, the Joslyn Fire Arms Company of Stonington, Connecticut, produced two basic models for the U. S. government, the Model 1862 and Model 1864. The first production Model 1862 weapons used a breechloading, single-shot, .52 caliber percussion ignition while the standard Model 1862 and the Model 1864 used the rimfire system. Designed for field use with Federal horse soldiers, the early Joslyns used a standard rimfire cartridge of .54 caliber that weighed 539 grains. Joslyn's unique loading arrangement consisted of lifting up the breechblock tab or hook, pivoting the breechblock to the left and then inserting the round. The hook-type friction latch for the breechblock and its exposed firing pin extension were characteristics of the Model 1862 Joslyn.

The particular carbine specimen presented here is a later example of the Joslyn Model 1862 carbine. The US government contracted for a total of over 2000 Joslyn carbines of this type during the war. This weapon, in strong condition, has a pleasing appearance with all brass mounted furniture. Carbine bears serial # 810 on top of the breechblock and the barrel wears a plum colored patina. Lockplate was casehardened and exhibits a smooth, dark plum colored patina overall. The M1862 Joslyn carbine has a 22" long barrel fitted to a one-piece walnut stock / forend secured by a single brass barrel band. Weapon has an overall length of 38¾". Casehardened lockplate and mountings enjoy a dark patina with no traces of color remaining. Lockplate is stamped "JOSLYN FIRE ARMS Co / STONINGTON / CONN." in front of the hammer. Top surface of the hinged breechblock exhibits patent stampings "B.F. JOSLYN'S PATENT / OCTOBER 8TH 1861 / JUNE 1862 / 810". Two-leaf rear sight has a "V" notch and sits at the rear of the barrel while at the front is a small pinched sight. The bore is good but rifling shows areas of light pitting throughout. Mechanics strong. Stock is in very good condition and displays normal dings and scratches from use and storage. The carbine's steel sling bar and sling ring are tightly attached to the left side of stock. Traces of one thin government cartouche visible on the left side of stock above the ring bar. All screws are original and in good condition. Remaining metal surfaces of the carbine are dark plum and exhibit tiny pinprick rusting scattered about. Brass butt plate wears an uncleaned, pleasing bronze patina. No markings in the butt tang. No sling swivel.

This Civil War Joslyn Model 1862 carbine is a wonderful representative weapon used by the Federal cavalry in the Civil War and would enhance any military display or weapons collection.

(123-6162) $1,695.00

Cal. .52 rimfire. S/N 12495. The lock wears a mix of gray and patina with a peppery look. Good mechanics. The barrel has a medium dark patina with scattered peppery pitting. The bore is strong with a peppery look. The stock is sound showing a light cleaning with some light handling marks and age staining remaining. No visible cartouche.

(362-49) $2,500.00

Cal. .52 rimfire. S/N 14492. The lock, breech block, band and butt plate and gray with minor age staining and thin patina. The trigger guard wears a mix of gray and medium patina. The barrel retains most of its blue. All markings typical to this model are sharp and clear. Crisp mechanics and a bright, strong bore. The stock shows handling and use with various handling marks and a probably re-oiling. No visible cartouche.

(258-185) ORIGINALLY $3,250.00
REDUCED TO $2,925.00
FURTHER REDUCED TO $2,450.00

This Remington rolling block carbine has the high hammer spur, outward protruding thumb lever and safety locking action, all features of the New York State National Guard contract of 1872.

This caliber 50-70 carbine has a 22 inch blued barrel. The tang is marked with the three line markings: REMINGTON'S ILION, N.Y. U.S.A. / MAY 3D. NOV 15th 1864, APRIL 17th 1866 / AUG 27th, 1867, NOV 7th, 1871. The receiver has a nice brown uncleaned patina. Iron mountings with a sling swivel. Walnut stock and forearm have normal dings and scratches and it appears to have been lacquered. Bore is bright and the rifling is good. Crisp perfect mechanics. Inspector' mark B on the barrel and barrel band.

(172-1671) $1,795.00

This pre-Civil War firearm, often referred to as the 'John Brown' model, is a single-shot, .52 caliber, breechloading Model 1853 carbine invented and patented by Hartford, Connecticut native Christian Sharps. Presented here is an original very fine, standard early specimen of that engineering design. The Sharp's Rifle Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut produced approximately 9,000 M1853 carbines during 1853 - 1854, and later from 1856 to 1858. The Model 1853 was called the John Brown model because some 200 hundred of them were purchased in 1856 by the Kansas Aid Committee of Massachusetts and then sent to Kansas to be turned over to the abolitionist Brown.

This weapon is in very fine, original condition and bears serial #13166. Interestingly it falls into the range of serial #s (13xxx) that were known to have been sent to Kansas for John Brown. We cannot know for certain if this is one of those carbines that saw Kansas action. The 7 pound, 10 oz carbine is rifled with six lands / grooves and measures some 37½" long overall. Its round barrel is 21½" long and mates to a breech that slants 'forward' on an angle from top to bottom to accommodate the sloping breech action. Breech tang is stamped in three lines "SHARPS / PATENT / 1848" with the serial number "13166" marked directly to the rear. Barrel is clearly marked between the front sight and barrel band with "SHARP'S RIFLE / MANUFG CO. / HARTFORD, CONN." Bore is very good and will clean to bright. The 5 3/8" long lockplate is stamped sharply with "SHARPS / PATENT / 1852" directly behind the hammer. The Sharps pellet priming system is located in the upper froward area of the lockplate. Mechanics are strong and crisp. Lockplate is fitted to a two-piece black walnut stock that includes a 15½" long butt stock with a high 9½" comb and a forend that is 10" long.

Stock and forend appear never to have been cleaned. Stock exhibits a deep, government inspector-mark "J P C" stamped into the wood along with a small "K" sub-inspector stamp at the sling bar area. Stock and forend are excellent with no cracks or chips. Wood still retains much of the original grain 'feathering' effect on the stock in addition to scattered dings and dents from use and storage. All lock screws are original and in very good condition. The iron sling bar and ring, strong and tight, extends 9½" forward from the receiver to the barrel band. The rear sight is the standard sliding elevation bar mounted 3½" from the breech and the brass blade front sight some 5/8" from the muzzle. Metal surfaces of the carbine exhibit a mottled light gray coloring along with slight surface oxidation marks and pinprick rusting. Carbine is fitted with brass furniture that includes the curved butt plate, patch box and barrel band. Interior patch box door is stamped with a batch or assembly # "26". All brass wears a beautiful bronze patina. This type Model 1853 Sharps is the last of the sloping breech pellet primer Sharps carbines. A very fine, original slant-breech Model 1853 carbine, it would certainly fit into and enhance any military arms display or collection.

(123-6273) $4,750.00

The Smith Carbine was manufactured by American Machine Works, Massachusetts Arms Co. and American Arms Company. The estimated total quantity produced between 1861 to 1865 is 30,000 carbines. The Smith is a .50 caliber, single shot percussion breechloader. The carbine was loaded by depressing a latch by the trigger that allows the barrel to break open and fold down.

The barrel is a 21-5/8 inches long. The standard finish for the Iron mounting parts is blued, with casehardening on the breech. Stocks were made from walnut. The serial number is located on the bottom left side of the breech. On the left side of the breech is ADDRESS/POULTNEY & TRIMBLE/BALTIMORE, U.S.A. and SMITH'S PATENT/JUNE 23,1857.The serial number is 8326.This gun is in good condition with lots of original finish throughout the gun. The cartouche on the left side of the stock is very strong and the initials L.F.R. is stamped on the barrel. The rifling is strong and the bore is bright. Overall a nice gun for any collection.

(218-319) $2,500.00

Presented here is an original Civil War Smith carbine in wonderful condition used by Union cavalry forces during the Civil War. The weapon is a percussion .50 caliber, single-shot breechloading carbine invented by a medical physician named Gilbert Smith of Buttermilk Falls, New York in late 1855.

In very good condition, this carbine measures 39½" long overall and weighs a hefty seven pounds and eight ounces. The two piece black walnut stock, which is tight to the frame, is made up of a 9" forearm held by a single barrel band. Stock is in uncleaned original condition and wears a pleasing dark patina with just normal dings and scuffs from use. No cracks or damage. The 28 5/8" long barrel is blued and rounded forward of the band. Barrel is void of markings save for inspector marks "L.F.R." stamped on the left side adjacent to the frame. Weapon exhibits serial number (2980) clearly stamped at the bottom base of breechblock. Left side of frame bears the mark of "ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMMER / BALTIMORE, U.S.A." Very sharp maker's stamp is located on same side and reads "MANUFACTURED BY / AM'N M'CH'N WKS. / SPRINGFIELD, MASS."

Iron saddle bar ring and bar are in excellent condition. Directly beneath the sling bar is the patent stamp in crisp digits that read "SMITH'S PATENT / June 23, 1857". Bolster and hammer screws slightly buggered and the sling bar screw appears to be a replacement. Carbine exhibits crisp, strong mechanics. Bore with its six-groove rifling is semi-bright with just hints of scattered light pitting. Will clean nicely. The Smith 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 a fine representative cavalry arm of the Civil War at a reasonable price.

(123-6158) $1,950.00

Spencer repeating carbines were made by Spencer in Boston and some was sub-contracted to Burnside Company in Providence, Rhode Island. One way to tell who manufactured it is the rifling, Spencer used 6 groove and Burnside used 3 ring. ` They produced around 144,000 rifles and carbines for the United States government. Civil War Spencer's shot a 56-56 cartridge. They are a seven shot repeating rifle that loaded from a magazine tube located in the stock. The action was similar to a lever action as the trigger guard operated the mechanism by raising and lowering it. Both rifles and carbines had iron mountings with a casehardened receiver, blued barrel and walnut stock. Markings that are located on top of the frame are SPENCER REPEATING/ RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6,1860. Standard finish is a casehardened receiver, buttplate and barrel bands with a blued barrel. Stocks were made from walnut. Carbines have a sling ring bar with a ring on the left side and a rear sling swivel. 50,000 of these were made between 1863 and 1865 with serial numbers from 11,000 to 61,000.

Offered is serial number 46106, which fits the civil war period range. Most of the metal has a dusky gray peppery patina except for the barrel, which is a light plum color. Stock shows normal wear and may have been very lightly sanded. Bore is semi-bright with some areas of pitting but the rifling is very strong.

(558-91) $2,495.00

About 20,000 of these Starr percussion Carbines in .54 Caliber were bought by the Union during the Civil War and issued mostly to Western troops. This weapon has a dropping breach, similar in action to the Sharps, and was rated as better than the Sharps in government tests. The Starr Arms Company located in Yonkers, NY made them. They had a brass buttplate and barrel band. All the iron parts were blued with case -hardened lock and frame. They were all serial numbered with the lock marked STARR ARMS CO/ YONKERS. N.Y. The barrel is stamped STARR ARMS CO YONKERS, N.Y and the breech is stamped STARR'S PATENT / SEPT. 14th 1858.

This carbine has a light plum patina on all the iron parts with light surface rust on the barrel. Stampings are crisp on the lock, weak on the barrel and not visible on the breech. Inspector mark '?" is on the tang of the buttplate. The walnut stock has nicks and scratches from normal use and has been lightly refinished in the past, which is why no cartouche is visible. The bore is bright and the rifiling is strong. The action is mechanically good.

(558-88) $2,500.00

Meriden Manufacturing Company located in Meriden, CT manufactured around 5000 repeating carbines in 1864 and 1865. They were .50 caliber and used rimfire ammunition. Seven shots were stored in a tube located in the stock. The unusual action works by depressing a latch behind the hammer, which allows you to twist the barrel in a circular motion to align with the magazine in the butt. They were made in two-barrel lengths, 22 and 30 inches.

All the mountings are iron with a single barrel band. The barrel, sight and loading tube were blued with all the other parts casehardened. Markings on the tang are TRIPLETT & SCOTT/ PATENT DEC 6, 1864. On the left side of the receiver is marked MERIDEN MAN'FG. CO./ MERIDEN, CONN and on the right is the serial number. The left side of the breech is stamped KENTUCKY.

The initial contact was with the state of Kentucky for 5,000 carbines to arm the Home Guard. These guns arrived too late to be used in the civil war. Offered is serial number 4678. The iron parts have a brown peppery patina. Wood is original but it is cracked on the wrist area which is common on these carbines due to their design. Bore is semi-bright with good rifling.

(G2680) $1,750.00

Meriden Manufacturing Company, located in Meriden, Connecticut, manufactured around 5000 repeating carbines in 1864 and 1865. They were .50 caliber and used rimfire ammunition. Seven shots were stored in a tube located in the stock. The unusual action works by depressing a latch behind the hammer, which allows you to twist the barrel in a circular motion to align with the magazine in the butt. They were made in two-barrel lengths, 22 and 30 inches. This carbine has the 30-inch barrel. The bore is clean with some minor spots of rust. All the mountings are iron with a single barrel band. The barrel, sight and loading tube were blued with all the other parts casehardened. Markings on the tang are TRIPLETT & SCOTT/ PATENT DEC 6, 1864. On the left side of the receiver is marked MERIDEN MAN'FG. CO./ MERIDEN, CONN and on the right is the serial number 709. The left side of the breech is stamped KENTUCKY. The stock has a 4-inch line crack on the left side typical on these carbines which were weakened by the method of loading. Also the sling swivel that mounts on the top of the buttplate is missing. The initial contact was with the state of Kentucky for 5000 carbines to arm the Home Guard. These guns arrived too late to be used in the Civil War.

(123-6034) $2,650.00

Offered is a .44 caliber Winchester Model 1873 Carbine, serial number 451490B. It has a 20 inch round barrel. Barrel. The top of the barrel is stamped "Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven, CT U.S.A./King's Improvement Patented March 29, 1866 Oct. 16, 1860". Also on the barrel and the brass elevator block is 44 W.C.P. On the upper tank in script is MODEL 1873 and on the lower tang is the serial number. This is the Second Model according to Flayderman's Guide. The barrel is a gunmetal-gray patina with light surface rust. It has rifling and some pitting. The frame still has some spots of the original blued finish. The varnish-finished walnut stock is original and shows signs of wear but no cracks. The butt-stock has a curved profile. On the right side is a saddle ring. In mechanically functional order. On the frame is one and the barrel has three British proof marks. A very good and untouched example of a Winchester Model 1873 Carbine.

(75-627) $3,750.00