ORIGINAL SMITH CARBINE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION BY AMERICAN MACHINE WORKS

$2,100.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 637-162

Invented and patented by a medical physician named Gilbert Smith of Buttermilk Falls, New York in late 1855, here is an original Civil War Smith carbine in very fine condition used by Union forces during the Civil War. A single-shot, percussion firearm, the weapon is a .50 caliber, breechloading carbine that measures 39 ¼” long overall and weighs a hefty seven pounds and eight ounces. The excellent two-piece black walnut stock is made up of a 9” forearm held by a single barrel band. Left side of stock exhibits one light and one deep cartouche directly behind the blued ferrule. Black walnut stock retains its original feathered finish with some light dings, dents and scratches.

The 21 5/8” long round / octagonal-shaped barrel surface wears its original dark bluing with no rusting but it does exhibit scattered small spots of dark discoloration visible throughout. Original, brass blade front sight and folding rear sight are present. Stamped into the barrel surface on the right facet of breech are the initials “RLV.” The same initials are stamped into the wood at the right wrist. Frame housing is stamped with serial number “9323”. Left side of breech opposite the hammer bears an excellent patent mark “ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMMER / BALTIMORE U.S.A.” Directly behind the sling bar is a strong patent mark “SMITH’S PATENT / JUNE 23, 1857”. A fine maker’s stamp “MANUFACTURED BY / AMN. M’CH’N WKS. / SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” is visible on frame at rear of breech beneath sling bar. All stampings are sharp. Frame exhibits subdued case colors and minor pinprick pitting with iron furniture retaining some original bluing or turning plumb.  Carbine exhibits good mechanics. Bore with good rifling is near mint but does have a worn ring area approx. a third of the way down the barrel. Saddle bar screw head is buggered with others showing light wear.

The Smith carbine saw extensive service with the following volunteer cavalry regiments: 1st Connecticut, 1st Massachusetts, 6th and 9th Ohio, 7th and 17th PA, 7th and 11th Illinois and the 3rd West Virginia Regiments.  [ad]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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