An early example of a single shot, breech loading, .50 caliber, percussion model Gallagher carbine issued to the Federal cavalry during the Civil War. Mahlon J. Gallagher, a South Carolina native, developed the weapon while he resided in Savannah, Georgia in July 1860. From its factory location at 12th and Thompson Street in Philadelphia, the firm produced almost 18,000 of these carbines for the Federal government from 1861 to 1865. These carbines saw extended service with Union horse soldiers during the war but the weapon was not well liked by the troopers due to the difficulty in extracting the spent cartridge casings from the breech.

The Gallager featured a breech loading mechanism which consisted of a lever / trigger guard combination that when pushed down, allowed the barrel to slide forward and tilt up and away from the barrel. Though Gallager boasted that his design would facilitate the easy removal of the spent casing from the breech, this extraction action was the major defect of his weapon.

This specimen is serial #4935 and features a 22.25” long round barrel with a total length of 39.25”. The round barrel wears a smooth, dark plum-colored patina. Bore is clean with scattered very light oxidation and with good rifling. The barrel has a flip-up rear sight and iron “pinched” blade front sight. The carbine is mounted with iron furniture including butt plate, patch box, and sling ring and bar.

The lock plate is strongly stamped “GALLAGER / PATENTED JULY 17TH 1860” on lock plate with serial number beneath. (Serial number is also stamped inside of patch box.) Mechanics are strong and crisp. Breech lever operates smoothly.

Black walnut shoulder stock remains is very good condition with attractive tone. No cartouches or sub-inspector stampings visible.

A good early Gallager cavalry carbine of the Civil War. From the Texas Civil War Museum collection.  [jet] [ph:L]

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