Presented is a Civil War Model 1843 Hall-North .58 caliber, breechloading rifled barrel carbine identified to Corporal August Meise of the 3^rd Illinois Cavalry Regiment. On September 24, 1861, the thirty-two year-old Meise mustered into service as a corporal in Company F, 3^rd Regiment, Illinois Cavalry for 3 years. Meise was present with the regiment in all its engagements until February 12, 1864 when the cavalryman was reported taken prisoner / missing in action in an engagement at Mount Holly Springs in Mississippi. Records indicate that Meise was returned to the company under arrest on May 18, 1864 and was restored to duty with loss of pay and allowances on May 30, 1864.

Manufactured by Simeon North of Middletown, Connecticut between 1844 and 1853, this carbine used by Meise is one of some 5000 units altered for Civil War use in the notorious scandal scheme that became known as the “Hall Carbine Affair.” These old, obsolete carbines had their barrels rifled to .58 caliber by the well-known New York gun maker W.W. Marston. Among the Federal cavalry regiments armed with these .58 caliber carbines were the 2^nd, 3^rd and 9^th Illinois units. In very good overall condition, the top flat of receiver is stamped with a five-line address showing: “US / S. NORTH / MIDLTN / CONN. / 1849”. The breechblock mechanism operated by release of a thumb lever (side lever ) located on the right side pf the breech. Carbine has a 21” round barrel with two barrel bands that secure it to the black walnut stock. No original case on hammer and top plate while the steel barrel and receiver have no original factory lacquer browning. Barrel shows areas of some light rust pitting and oxidation near the upper band area. Overall, a smooth surface with scattered dark oxidation.

Bore has strong rifling with some surface grime but should clean to semi-bright. Receiver flat has a single inspector stamp “NWF” and a light marking “STEEL.” Mechanics strong. Black walnut stock in strong condition with no cracks but does have one large repair where stock meets the top of receiver. Stock also has a single government cartouche visible at the right cheek piece area of stock. Sling bar and ring integral to the left side of receiver. Hand carved, ¼” high initials “A MEISE” set into the flat bottom of stock near the triggerguard tang. Carbine retains its original button-head ramrod.

This identified North-Hall M1843 carbine comes with Meise’s military records from the National Archives in Washington, DC.

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