This is a very nice example of the Burnside Carbine. The gun is tight and in a used but cared for condition. The walnut butt stock and forestock have some minor dings and dents consistent with use but nothing that would detract from the overall condition. The wood opposite the lock has a very faint cartouche. The barrel is mostly “gun metal” gray in color with only a hint of some blue in the area of the breech and muzzle. Frame looks to have been blue at one time but most of that is gone. The breechblock has some case color left. Action is crisp. Nipple is original with some dirt and wear around base. Lock is marked “BURNSIDE RIFLE CO. PROVIDENCE, R.I.” Serial number 36370 is clearly marked on breech block and frame. Just above the serial number on the frame is “BURNSIDE PATENT MARCH 25^th, 1856.” Proper flip up rear sight is present. Saddle bar and ring is also present as is the single barrel band, butt plate and sling swivel. The bore is clean as can be and the rifling is good. With there being no doubt about this carbine being used its condition is a testament to the care given to it by the soldier who used it.

This carbine belonged to Private George Long of Company G, 3^rd Iowa Cavalry. This fact is confirmed by his initials “G L” being carved on the side of the butt and is supported by a page in his military record saying he was charged $10 for “…retaining his carbine...” We also have a copy of the page of the 3^rd Iowa’s Order Book showing that carbine #36370 was issued to “G. LONG.”

George Long was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania on April 17, 1844. When or why he moved to Iowa is not stated. When he enlisted on February 29, 1864 he was described as “19 years old, 5 feet 9 inches high” with a “dark complexion, black eyes, black hair and by profession a farmer.” He was present with Company G throughout his service being mustered out at Atlanta, Georgia on August 9, 1865. As stated above the muster out sheet says he was charged $10 for keeping his carbine and $3 for keeping his saber. While with the 3^rd Iowa he saw action at Old Town Creek and Oxford in Mississippi, Osage and Big Blue in Missouri and also at Mine Creek, Arkansas and Ebenezer Church, Alabama. After the war he returned to Iowa where he married in 1866 and raised a family. He worked as a carpenter but was bothered by health issues contracted during the war. He died on July 10, 1914 and is buried in Purdom Cemetery, Keosauqua, Iowa.

Full military and pension records come with the carbine as well as the page from the 3^rd Iowa order Book mentioned above.

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