This is the Burnside single shot percussion carbine, Model 1864, aka "5th model". It is a .54 caliber carbine manufactured by the Burnside Rifle Co., in Providence, Rhode Island. General Ambrose Burnside was an official in the company before the war but was not involved in wartime development of the weapon. Approximately 43,000 carbines of this model were produced. This model represented improvements over the earlier models, most notably being the placement of a guide screw on the right side in the middle of the receiver, this improvement facilitated smoother operation during loading.

Features include an iron butt plate, single iron barrel band with band spring, saddle ring and bar on left side, double iron trigger guard/loading lever, hinged leaf-sight and a chamber tapered for unique Burnside metal cartridge with a priming hole in the bottom.

The maker’s mark is found on top of frame, “BURNSIDE’S PATENT / MODEL OF 1856” now partially gone (as a direct result of Confederate reconditioning). A worn (also as a direct result of the reconditioning) “CAST STEEL 1864” is on the top of the barrel. Serial number 36093 appears on the top of the barrel breech and on the top of the receiver. There are no cartouches visible (again as a result of the official Confederate reconditioning). The barrel length is 20 inches. All gunmetal has a pleasing pewter color with no pitting. Bore is clean with good rifling. Mechanics remain smooth and strong. The wood is very nice with a pleasing patina. No breaks or cracks.

A “Z” inspection stamp is found on the underside of the stock between the rear swivel and the trigger guard tang.  This mark signifies that this weapon was recovered and turned in to the Confederate Ordnance Bureau for at least cleaning, and possibly for some type of repair. The “Z” is believed to stand for Louis Zimmer who oversaw repair work late in the war at Richmond. See Steve Knott’s new “Captured & Collected” book for the complete Confederate “captured, repaired, and reissued” weapons story. It is our observation that these C & R weapons were scrubbed clean in the process. We have noted that no attempt was made to preserve original finishes like bluing or casehardening. The arms were re-issued bright. And as far as stock markings, that is inspector's marks, were concerned these were always sanded out.

The serial number 36093 is off by 14 numbers to an identical carbine 36077 issued in 1864 to the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry Co. G. In 1864 the 14th was heavily engaged with the Confederates in the Valley of Virginia. Captured or collected it ended up in Richmond at the Artillery Workshop for re-furbishing and re-inspection by Zimmer ("Z"). It then was put into the hands of a Confederate cavalry regiment desperately in need of such carbines. Most interesting are the carvings on the left butt stock. There are 2 sets of initials "R.H." and "ILCC" also "Nov." this last, we assume is the abbreviation for the month of November (1864). The others are certainly those of two different Confederate troops who carried the arm late in 1864 and going forward. Be aware a Union trooper would never be permitted to desecrate a government gun in such a fashion while it was still in service. This graffiti is typically seen on CS firearms of all types. This weapon just came to the market and has never been researched. A very attractive carbine.  [pe] [ph:L]

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