This Joslyn carbine Model 1862, often referred to as the First Model, was assigned to two members of the New York 19^th Cavalry. Carbine shows factory serial # 711, in addition to serial # 389, and was likely a field or armory repair with a re-issue. The regiment organized at Portage Station, NY first as the 130^th NY Infantry in Sept. 1862, changed to the 19^th New York Cavalry regiment in Aug 1863, and was then renamed the 1^st Regiment, New York Dragoons in Sept 1863. Identified by 19^th NY regimental Civil War Ordnance records, Private John Kinney of Co F and Private John R. Hemphill of Co H both signed for and had use of this carbine for a time.

Private John Kinney was twenty-two years old when he mustered into Co H of the 130^th NY Infantry at Portage NY on Sep 3, 1862.  Ordnance records show Kinney was issued factory serial # 711in Sep 1862.  He was present for duty save for detached service and sick time spent in hospitals from May 1863 on and off through March 1864 when he was discharged for disability at Washington, DC. Thirty year-old John Hemphill, a farmer from Hartsdale, NY, mustered into Co H, 130^th NY Infantry also on 3 Sep 1862.  Records indicate that Hemphill was issued serial # 389 in Sep 1863 and was present for duty save for detached service as a nurse in hospitals from May 1863 on and off through June 1865 when he was mustered out.

The Joslyn carbine used an innovative pivoting breechblock system invented and patented by Massachusetts gun designer Benjamin Franklin Joslyn in 1855. Under a June 1862 government contract, the Joslyn Fire Arms Company of Stonington, Connecticut produced the first rimfire model carbine designated the Model 1862.  Designed for Federal cavalry, the Joslyn carbine fired a standard rimfire cartridge of .54 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. A hook-type friction latch for the breechblock and the exposed firing pin extension were characteristics of the Model 1862 Joslyn.

Carbine is in very good overall condition and exhibits a fine walnut stock with all brass mounted furniture, including the triggerguard, barrel band and butt plate. Carbine bears factory serial #711 on breechblock, extractor, barrel and breech tang. The Joslyn also bears serial # 389 stamped on inside of breech block, barrel and breech tang. Two fine government cartouches visible on left side of stock above the sling bar. All gunmetal wears a dark plum colored patina.  The flat, casehardened lockplate is recessed almost flush with the stock and is clearly stamped forward of the hammer with “JOSLYN FIRE ARMS Co / STONINGTON/ CONN”. Top surface of the hinged breechblock exhibits patent stampings “B.F. JOSLYN’S PATENT / OCTOBER  8^TH 1861 / JUNE 1862 / 711”.

The handsome, plum colored 28” long round barrel shows a hard, smooth patina.  Barrel muzzle features an iron blade front sight while the breech area sports a two-leaf folding rear sight graduated to 500 yards.  Sub-inspector marks visible on the rear sight, left facet of the barrel. Stock / forend secured by a single brass barrel band. Stock is excellent overall and displays just normal dings and scratches from use and storage. The bore shows strong, three-groove rifling with areas of light pitting throughout. Would clean to semi-bright. Mechanics strong. The carbine’s steel sling bar and sling ring are tightly attached to the left side of stock. All screws are original and in good-plus condition. All brass wears a pleasing bronze patina. “47” stamped on butt tang. This double-identified, Civil War 1^st Model Joslyn carbine is a great representative weapon used by the Federal cavalry in the Civil War.

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