This follows the standard configuration of the second model Smith, introduced about August 1863, eliminating sling swivels on the barrel band and buttstock in favor of a conventional side bar and sling ring for a cavalry carbine sling. This has matching serial number 21713 on both the barrel and frame portions of the hinge. The side bar and ring are in place, as are both sights, though the blade of the front sight was likely replaced. The mechanics are strong and crisp. The bore is bright, with good rifling. The markings on the left frame are correct and sharp:  “MANUFACTURED BY / MASS. ARMS CO / CHICOPEE FALLS. ” forward, and “ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMBLE / BALTIMORE U.S.A.” at upper rear, with “SMITH’S PATENT / JUNE 23, 1857” partially behind the sling ring bar.

The barrel has a lot of original blue. The band has shifted to brown. The rear sight is complete and shows some fine pitting on the upper surface. The latch spring shows some vibrant blue near the hammer, but mostly speckling, grays and some brown. Side bar and ring show brown. The receiver is smooth metal, showing some good blue on the buttstock collar, but rubbed mostly to a mix of caramel brown and gray forward with a little faint case on the left and in some recesses on the right. There is a little staining to the metal at the muzzle and a small ding on the buttstock collar. The buttplate shows as brown, with some fine pitting on the tang. The wood has a good fit and color. There is some small chipping and dings on the top of the wrist at the collar, but the script “JH” inspector mark of Joseph Hannis on the left wrist is crisp and the block G.K.C. of George Charter near the buttplate tang is sharp. The barrel proof is the block stamp “JH” of Joseph Hannis as well, a civilian employee of the Ordnance Department acting as an inspector of contract arms. (He was father of John Hannis, whose mark shows up on cavalry sabers.)

This is a good example of a widely used cavalry carbine, among the top four procured by the U.S. during the war and one that saw extensive service. Patented by a New York physician in 1855 (with some additions in 1856 and 1857,) the .50 caliber carbine is hinged in the middle, exposing the breech for insertion of a rubber case or paper and foil cartridge pierced at the bottom for ignition by a standard percussion cap. Poultney and Trimble of Baltimore acted as agents on commission, with three different manufacturers known, selling the government some 31,002 from January 1862 to June 1865, and with others sold on the commercial market through military goods dealers such at Schuyler, Hartley and Graham. Flayderman lists the 3^rd WV, 7^th and 11^th Illinois, 1^st CT, 7^th and 17^th PA, 6^th and 9^th Ohio, and the 1^st Mass. as among the cavalry regiments carrying them.  [sr] [ph:L]

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