Presented here, in remarkable condition, is a seldom seen Gibbs Model .52 caliber, percussion, breechloading carbine of the Civil War. Designed and produced by William F. Brooks of New York City in 1863, the total quantity made was only 1,052 carbines. The production of these Gibbs carbines was cut short when his Phenix Armory was destroyed by fire during the infamous New York City Draft Riots of 1863. The US Ordnance Department had contracted for 10,000 carbines but only 1,052 pieces were completed and 500 of the Gibbs were issued to members of the 10^th Missouri Cavalry Regiment (US). The remaining carbines were issued to the 13^th NY and 16^th cavalry regiments.

This original specimen measures almost 39” long overall and is a single-shot carbine with a 22” round barrel. When the operating lever is activated, the barrel slides forward and upwards to load the round. Barrel wears a dark plum-brown patina and is mated to a ¾ length, black walnut stock and secured with an iron band / nose cap mount. Barrel hinge slightly loose. The carbine is identified on the top of the breech block with the stamping “10 / MO” for the Tenth Missouri cavalry. Barrel’s six-groove rifling is still sharp but the bore is dirty with some moderate pitting. A folding two-leaf rear sight rests on the barrel top. Iron lockplate, 9½” long, is plain save for the stamping “WM F. BROOKS / MANFr NEW YORK” located just forward of the nipple bolster. Nipple bolster lightly pitted and scratched. Is fitted with a modern replacement nipple. No original colors on the gunmetal.

Never cleaned, the black walnut stock exhibits some of the original ‘feathering’ effect. Right side of stock has two handcarved letters “KA” scratched in the wood. Left side has numerous crude “Xs” also carved into wood. No government cartouches. Numerous dings, dents and scratch marks evident on the wood. A short, 2½” long sling bar and saddle ring is fitted to a sideplate on the left side of the breech frame. Side plate is same length as the lockplate. Carbine exhibits good mechanics and all screws are good. This seldom seen Gibbs carbine is a rare representative cavalry arm of the Civil War and would definitely enhance any military carbine display or collection.

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