This is a very pretty example of the regulation, military issue Second Model Maynard cavalry carbine in excellent condition. This is the standard configuration, manufactured without patch box or forestock, fitted with a 20-inch .50 caliber barrel that tips up at the breech for insertion of a brass-cased cartridge made with a flame-hole at bottom to be ignited by a percussion cap.

Regarded during his lifetime as a leading scientist, Dr. Edward Maynard (1813-1891) had two passions: dentistry and weapons. He developed a number of surgical techniques and tools. He also developed the tape-primer and a patented breech-loading carbine and rifle. This is a very nice example of his Second Model carbine. Earlier versions with patch boxes and different calibers made their way into military hands, including many southern militia units, who had an eye for modern weapons and were not prohibited from purchasing patent arms. Some 20,000 of this wartime production model, made under government contract, began arriving in the field in 1864. It was generally regarded as light and effective. Units known to have carried it included the 6^th and 11^th Indiana and 10^th and 12^th Tennessee Cavalry, and cavalry serving against Indian tribes in New Mexico, Utah and the Dakota Territory.

This carbine rates excellent. The wood has great color and is crisp, with a tight join to the metal. There is one small check on the right butt flat. The left shows two crisp cartouches at the left wrist. The side bar and sling ring are in place, as are both sights. The barrel is smooth metal with full coverage of original blue and just one age spot on the right a little forward of the rear sight. The frame is smooth metal also, with crisp Mass. Arms Company markings on the right and crisp Maynard patent marks on the left, showing a little brighter on forward part of the frame, mixed with plum, where one’s hand would balance it, but with mottled color overall and brighter case color in the middle on both sides, and very strong on the triggerguard tang, which also shows a crisp serial number 18871. The hammer shows excellent color. The top of the frame shows thin mottled plum. The bore is excellent, as are the mechanics. The screw slots are crisp and the screwheads show some blue remaining, some of them quite strong in color.

This is a nice example of a regulation issue Union Civil War cavalry carbine.  [sr] [ph:L]

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