The Joslyn carbine Model 1864, sometimes called the Second Model, was a cavalry weapon that used an innovative breechloading, single-shot, .52 caliber rimfire system invented and patented by Massachusetts gun designer Benjamin Franklin Joslyn in 1861.  His company, the Joslyn Fire Arms Company of Stonington, Connecticut, produced two models for the U. S. government, the Model 1862 and Model 1864. The early Model 1862 used the percussion ignition while the later Model 1864 used the rimfire system.

Designed for field use with Federal horse soldiers, the Joslyn was relatively simple and used a rimfire cartridge very much like the Spencer’s .56-.56 cartridge or its own special .54 Joslyn cartridge.  Joslyn’s unique loading arrangement consisted of pulling out the breechblock knob, pivoting the breechblock up and to the left and then inserting the round.  However, Joslyn’s single-shot design was as not as popular as the Spencer’s repeating multi-shot rimfire capability so Joslyn carbines were retired from service at the end of the war. 

The particular carbine specimen presented here is an original example of that engineering design referred to as the Joslyn Model 1864 carbine. The US government contracted for a total of over 16,500 Joslyn carbines during the war.  This carbine in strong condition has a bright appearance and bears serial # 15178 on top of the breechblock and barrel tang. All metal including barrel, lockplate, hammer, triggerguard, and buttplate have been cleaned and buffed to a shiny bright.   The M1864 Joslyn carbine has a 22” long barrel fitted to a one-piece walnut stock.  Shortarm has an overall length of 38½”. Lockplate in front of the hammer is stamped with “JOSLYN FIRE ARMS Co / STONINGTON CONN / 1864” while the rear of the breechblock face exhibits the clear and strong patent stamping of “B.F. JOSLYN’S PATENT / OCTOBER  8^TH 1861 / JUNE 1862”.  Two-leaf rear sight has a “V” notch and sits at the rear of the barrel while at the front is a large pinched sight. The bore is very strong with sharp rifling. Mechanics crisp and tight.

Stock is in good condition and appears cleaned at one time.  Exhibits a surface crack at the lower right side near the toe. Normal dings and scratches from use and storage.  The carbine’s steel sling bar and sling ring are tightly attached to the left side of stock.  No government cartouches visible on stock.  All screws are original and not buggered. “US” stamped on the butt tang. No sling swivel.

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