This military shortarm is often called the .50 Warner rimfire carbine and was produced by arms maker James Warner under government contract at his Springfield, Massachusetts facility during 1864. However, this specimen is one of Warner’s second contract for 2,500 (Feb 2 to Mar 15, 1865) carbines chambered for the 56-56 Spencer cartridges and was produced in conjunction with the Greene Rifle Works at Chicopee, Mass.

This single-shot, breechloading brass-framed carbine has a breechblock hinged on the right side. Carbine was loaded by pushing the thumb lever to release the breechblock upward. Opening the breech reveals serial #1902 on the underside of the breech door and on the breech wall edge. Cartridge extraction was to the rear by a manual slide in front of the triggerguard on the underside of the forend. Extraction spring is strong. Left side of the brass receiver frame is maker marked with “GREENE RIFLE WORKS / PAT. 1864.” Stamping is clear but bears a number of small impact marks. Faint “CSL” inspector’s mark is located in the same area. Iron sling ring mounted on left side of breech with bar. Carbine measures a total of 37½” long with a 20” long round barrel rifled with three lands and grooves.

Dirty bore is strong but dark. It should clean up well. Barrel surface wears a mellow plum-brown patina overall and has a few light scratches from storage and use. The oil finished, two-piece black walnut stock includes a 10” forend and a 13” shoulder stock. Wood appears to have been lightly refinished at one time. Stock shows two visible plugs. Both are round in shape and appear to be made of “mother of pearl.” There is one in the forend and one in the cheek. Both are approx. 0.50 an inch wide.  Mechanics are strong and crisp.

Warner carbines were known to have been issued to the 3rd Massachusetts Cavalry and the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry during the closing months of the Civil War. A rarely-seen Federal carbine.

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