Presented here is an example of a breech loading, .50 caliber, percussion Gallagher carbine issued to the Federal cavalry during the Civil War. Mahlon J. Gallagher, a South Carolina native, developed the weapon while he resided in Savannah, Georgia in July 1860. Subsequently the Philadelphia firm of Richardson and Overman obtained the rights to manufacture Gallager’s product via several contracts with the U.S. Ordnance Department. These carbines saw extensive service with Union horse soldiers during the war but the weapon was not well liked by the troopers due to the difficulty in extracting the spent cartridge casings from the breech.

The Gallager features a breech loading mechanism which consists of a lever/trigger guard combination that when pushed down, allows the barrel to slide forward and tilt up. A brass cased cartridge was then inserted into the barrel’s breech.  Though Gallager boasted that his design would facilitate the easy removal of the spent casing from the breech, extraction was the major defect of his weapon.

This carbine is iron mounted and exhibits mottling throughout. This original specimen bears serial # 17052 and features a 22½” long round barrel that has a folding single leaf rear sight, iron blade front sight and a bore that is very clean with very good rifling. The round barrel wears a speckled plum-colored patina and exhibits scattered light mottling overall.

All stampings on the obverse side of the iron lockplate are clear and sharp and read, “MANUFACTURED BY / RICHARDSON & OVERMAN / PHILADA” in three lines. An additional stamping of “GALLAGER’S PATENT /JULY 17th 1860” rests at the left edge of the lockplate. Receiver has a speckled appearance due to mottling.

The black walnut buttstock has an iron patchbox that opens and closes properly. Wood has a number of small dings, dents, and scratches consistent with age, storage and use. No cartouches stampings are visible but the left side of the butt is stamped with the number “1.” Left side is fitted with a sling bar and saddle ring.

Carbine exhibits good mechanics and frame screws show light wear. Original nipple is present.  [ad]

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