This Joslyn carbine Model 1862 used a pivoting breechblock system invented and patented by Massachusetts gun designer Benjamin Franklin Joslyn in 1855. Under his June 1862 government contract, the Joslyn Fire Arms Company of Stonington, Connecticut, produced this carbine now designated as the Model 1862. This specimen is in very good condition and is stamped with a “Z” and was captured and reused by Confederate cavalry.

The Joslyn carbine fired a standard Spencer rimfire cartridge of .52 caliber. Joslyn’s unique loading arrangement consisted of lifting up the breechblock tab or hook, pivoting the breechblock to the left and then inserting the round. The hook-type friction latch for the breechblock and its exposed firing pin extension were characteristics of the Model 1862.

This weapon is in very good condition and exhibits a pleasing appearance with a fine walnut stock and all brass mounted furniture. Carbine bears serial #242 on top of the breechblock. The 22” round barrel is smooth and clean with a light gray color. Bore is bright and clean with good rifling. Blade sight at muzzle and flip-up, two-leaf, rear sight. The hinged breechblock is attached at barrel breech and is very clearly stamped “B.F. JOSLYN’S PATENT / OCTOBER 8TH 1861 / JUNE 1862 / 242”. Inside of breechblock is clean. Cartridge extractor and firing pin remain undamaged.

Casehardened lockplate is stamped “JOSLYN FIRE ARMS Co / STONINGTON / CONN” in front of the hammer. There are several light dings over these markings otherwise lockplate and hammer remain is very good condition. Mechanically strong with crisp action.

Walnut stock is in good condition overall with nice original color and finish. Small dings and dents overall from use. A 1” chip is missing on right side in front of breechblock and a 3” sliver is missing under the sling bar. Two cartouches are visible above the steel sling bar and ring on the left side of stock. Brass buttplate, trigger guard, and barrel band all have matching mellow patina.

A strong “Z” inspection stamp is found on the underside of the stock in front of the trigger guard.  This mark signifies that this weapon was recovered and turned in to the Confederate Ordnance Bureau for at least cleaning, and/or for some type of repair. The “Z” is believed to stand for Louis Zimmer who oversaw repair work at Richmond. See Steve Knott’s new “Captured & Collected” book for the complete Confederate “captured, repaired, and reissued” weapons story.  [jet]

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