First Model Maynard Carbine – Serial No. 2,291

Description

First Model Maynard Carbine – Serial No. 2,291

 

A very solid example of the First Model Maynard Carbine, manufactured under the patents of Dr. Edward Maynard, with patent dates of Sept. 22, 1845; May 27, 1851; and June 17, 1856 stamped on the brass patchbox lid. This innovative single-shot percussion breech-loader featured Maynard’s tape priming system and represented one of the more advanced cavalry arms available on the eve of the Civil War. Confederate Acquisition – The U.S. Government purchased fewer than 400 of these early Maynard carbines. By contrast, the Southern states acquired nearly 3,000 prior to secession, making the First Model Maynard one of the most strongly Confederate-associated carbines of the war. Known state contracts included: Mississippi – ordered 800 in 1859–60. Florida – purchased 100 in 1861, Georgia – bought 650 just before secession, Louisiana – acquired 300, South Carolina – ordered 350, Tennessee – 300 examples secured.

 

The Maynard was especially favored by Southern cavalry due to its light weight, fast reloading, and accuracy. Contemporary accounts note that Florida and Mississippi cavalry carried Maynards into the early campaigns of 1861–62, and Confederate ordnance records list them in use as late as 1863 in the Western and Trans-Mississippi theaters.

 

The First Model Maynard, in serial ranges such as this, represents a classic Confederate cavalry weapon of the early war. Issued in quantity to units from Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, these arms saw heavy use in campaigns ranging from the defense of the Gulf Coast to actions in the Western Theater. Surviving examples with visible inspector’s marks and crisp mechanics have become increasingly scarce. This carbine stands as both a technological milestone and a tangible reminder of the South’s efforts to equip its cavalry at the outbreak of the Civil War.

 

This desirable example of the First Model Maynard Carbine bears patent dates of Sept. 22, 1845; May 27, 1851; June 17, 1856 on the patchbox lid. Less than 400 were acquired by the U.S. Government, but nearly 3,000 were purchased by Southern states before and during secession, making the Maynard strongly identified with Confederate cavalry service. Serial number 2,291 falls within the Confederate purchase range, with known issues to Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Louisiana. These carbines were carried by mounted units in the early campaigns of 1861–62 and saw continued use in the Western and Trans-Mississippi theaters. This example shows an attractive plum-gray patina with pitting on the left side of the barrel and on the lower 1/3rd of the right, a crisp action, and a walnut stock retaining clear inspector’s markings on the right side. Sling bar and ring remain intact, with sharp patent markings on the patchbox lid. A scarce Confederate-associated carbine, well-preserved with inspector’s marks and solid condition — an important addition to any Civil War collection.

 

Inventory Number: RIF 269