Here is a Type I Gwyn & Campbell carbine. One of some 200 carbines produced, the .52 caliber, percussion breech-loading Gwyn & Campbell carbine was the invention of businessmen Edward Gwyn and partner Abner C. Campbell, both of Hamilton, Ohio. Sometimes referred to as the “Union Carbine” or “Grapevine Carbine". The U.S. Ordnance Department granted over a dozen contracts to Gwyn & Campbell during 1863 and 1864 for a total of 8,202 carbines. A number of Federal cavalry units were armed with this weapon and included the 3^rd Wisconsin; 2^nd and 3^rd Iowa; 2^nd & 3^rd Arkansas; 5^th and 8^th Ohio; 5^th, 6^th and 16^th Illinois along with other Civil War units.

Weapon is a single shot, falling-block action piece mated to a 19” round barrel that has a 3 ½” long octagonal section at the breech. Hammer has a flat back with a beveled edge and a lever that is more curved that the Type 2 model. Trigger guard / lever locks into a small claw-like latch on bottom of the stock. Serial number, 2490, appears on frame, breech block, and lever. An earlier number is on the barrel but stamped over. However a matching “2” is stamped on the barrel and the frame Weapon is very lightly stamped with maker’s mark of “GWYN & CAMPBELL / PATENT / 1862 / HAMILTON, O.” on the lockplate. Stamped “Union Rifle” on right side of frame. All screw heads in fine condition. Folding rear sight sits on the octagonal portion of barrel with blade sight at muzzle. Carbine exhibits strong mechanics. Fitted with a sling bar and sling ring. Bore is clean with light rifling.  All gunmetal is in fine condition. Barrel is an even dark brown.

No inspector cartouches visible. Wood stock shows some wear, retaining nice color and finish. This Gwyn & Campbell carbine is a very interesting representative cavalry arm of the Civil War and would definitely enhance any military carbine display or collection.   [jet]

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