These carbines have known Civil War usage by both northern and southern mounted forces, largely in the western theatre. They are a dangerous looking weapon, only about 30 inches overall with a barrel little more than 14 inches long, but with a rifled .71 caliber bore that would give anyone pause. Some 10,000 were imported by the north in 1861 and 1862, one of the many types of firearm eagerly bought up by Americans from European agents and governments clearing out arsenals to make room for newer arms. An April 1862 report from Fort Leavenworth indicates the 2^nd Kansas Cavalry, among other units carried them. Some, naturally, made their way into Confederate hands. An identified Confederate example captured from one of Quantrill’s raiders in the Lawrence raid of 1863 is in the Kansas Historical Society. The large rifle ball used in these guns has been excavated at some Civil War sites, but for close-up combat on horseback it would not be surprising if buckshot were being used by Confederate horsemen, just as civilian shotguns were often adapted to mounted use. The presence of a stock-mounted ramrod is a clear indication of import and use here. Austrian cavalry carried the rods on a shoulder belt and the stocks of guns imported here were specifically drilled to carry the rammer on the gun.

This example has a clear “852” stamped on the lower edge of the lock plate, indicating it was made in 1852. These guns were originally made in a tube-lock configuration, but this has been fitted with a new percussion breech and an “855” stamp on the barrel is probably the date of the alteration: 1855. Both sights are in place, as is the barrel band and the sling ring attached to the side bar. All mounts are iron and match the barrel for condition. The metal is smooth overall, showing just minor dings and scratches, and is dull silver in color with dark gray spots, but no pitting. A few other Austrian military markings are visible on the left breech.

The cheek-rest is present on the left butt flat. The color of the wood is a uniform dark brown. The wood to metal fit is good. There minor handling dings overall and two or three small creases on the underside of the stock forward of the triggerguard tang, but no cracks or breaks, but there is some minor chipping at the base of the barrel band. The mechanism is good and the bore shows some rifling.

This intimidating little carbine is a nice illustration of how widely American agents cast their nets to bring in foreign arms when American manufacturers could not supply a pressing need, and how western troops often had to make-do with what they could get. At the same time, with known a known history of use by both sides, it makes a good addition to a cavalry or even Confederate or guerilla and bushwhacker collection.  [SR]

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