This is a very good example of the breech-loading .52 caliber rimfire Joslyn carbine carried by a number of Union cavalry regiments. This one bears a U.S. inspector’s cartouche on the left side flat indicating it is one of 2,201, out of a production run of just 3,300, that were delivered to the U.S. government in 1863: 1 sample; 1,000 in August 1863; 500 in November; and 700 at the beginning of December. This has matching serial number 2449 on the breechblock and receiver tang, placing it most likely in the December delivery. (The serial numbers spread out a bit, of course, from rejected guns and commercial sales to states, units and individuals: Schuyler, Hartley and Graham were just one of the firms selling Joslyns.)

This is the standard M1862 configuration, mounted with brass barrel band, triggerguard and butt plate, with pivoting breechblock marked, “B.F. Joslyn’s Patent / October 8^th 1861 / June 24^th 1862” and the serial number “2449,” all stamped sharply in four lines. The placement of the markings is correct for M1862 and the block is the correct hooked-latch style. The brass barrel band, triggerguard and buttplate have an even, mellow brass patina with some age stains to the latter two. Both sights are in place, and the rear sight retains its leaves. The 22-inch barrel is smooth metal with lots of thinning blue turning plum. The exterior of the breechblock and hammer shade more plum as does the receiver tang, which shows some rubbing from handling. The lockplate has some silver gray forward, and some thin blues around the hammer and at rear.  The lockplate markings are sharp: “JOSLYN FIREARMS Co. / STONINGTON / CONN.” The sling bar and ring are in place, with the bar showing some color. The rear screws of the triggerguard tang show some blue. Several factory sub-inspector marks are visible: a small “P” on the butt plate, triggerguard tang, and rear sight. The barrel bears a “W.P” inspection or proof mark at left, below the rear sight. This is likely William Page (or Paige,) whose final inspection cartouche appears in the wood of the left side flat: a script “W.P.” just above the sling bar, opposite the hammer. He was a civilian employee of the Ordnance Department inspecting contract arms. (His barrel proofs are noted on Remington zouave rifles as well.)

The wood has good color, edges, and a tight fit to the metal. There are some small dings to the lower edge of the lock apron, a larger one at top below the hammer, some scratches to the upper right butt stock, and some shallow divots at rear of the sling bar plate, a usual spot for the spring clip of the trooper’s carbine sling to bang against the wood when carrying the carbine while mounted. The script “W.P.” inspector cartouche is clearly stamped and fully legible.

The mechanics are good. The only faults we see are that the breech block latch needs work since the block will not stay closed and the bore is dirty. There is also some pitting on the underside of the hinged breechblock and the corresponding interior surface of the receiver and barrel breech ring that indicates firing and field use.

Joslyn carbines were widely used. The majority of the thousand in the first shipment of the M1862 in August 1863 went to the 1^st NY Dragoons (19^th NY Cavalry,) who served with the Army of the Potomac and saw action beginning in September 1863 and considerable fighting in Grant’s Overland Campaign of 1864. This is a nice example of the M1862 made in plenty of time for the large campaigns and cavalry operations of 1864 and 1865, and would look great in a cavalry display.  [sr] [ph:L]

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