Rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine

$6,500.00

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SKU: RIF 249 Categories: ,

Description

Rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine

 

54 Caliber, Serial #B – A.H. Waters & Co., Milbury, Mass. A scarce early production example of the Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine, one of the rarest and most distinctive American breechloading carbines of the pre-Civil War era. Chambered in .54 caliber percussion, this carbine features a unique rear-pivoting breech lever—earning it the nickname “Monkey Tail” among collectors. The lockplate is clearly marked: “A. H. Waters & Co. / Milbury, MASS” and the top of the breech lever is marked: “Patd by B. F. Joslyn / Aug 23, 1855”. This example bears a rare single-letter serial number “B” located inside the breech lever, likely indicating an early production specimen. These carbines were manufactured in extremely limited numbers—estimated at fewer than 1,500 units—and saw very limited field use, possibly in state or militia service during the late 1850s and early Civil War period. The carbine features a 22-inch barrel, iron mountings, and a walnut stock with iron buttplate. Its innovative design represented a step toward metallic cartridge breechloaders but was quickly superseded by Joslyn’s improved models. Condition: Very good. Metal surfaces exhibit a smooth gray patina with sharp patent and maker’s marks. Wood stock is solid, showing light refinishing and the addition of a cartouche. Mechanically sound, with functional breech mechanism. An exceedingly rare and important pre-war American carbine seldom encountered on the collector market.

 

Inventory Number: RIF 249

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Side view of a Rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine with a wooden stock, metal barrel, and iron sights, displayed on a plain white background.
Close-up view of the lock mechanism on a Rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine, showing metal components and wooden stock, with a tag labeled "051" attached to the trigger guard.
Close-up of a metal surface on a Rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine engraved with "A.H. WATERS & Co. MILBURY MASS," shown next to screws and part of the mechanism.
Close-up of a metal surface on a Rare Joslyn "Monkey Tail" Carbine engraved with "PATD. BY B.F. JOSLYN. AUG. 23. 1855." This marking appears on part of the historic firearm.
Close-up of the Rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine wooden rifle stock, featuring a rectangular "9699" stamp above a metal component.
A Rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine, an antique single-shot lever-action rifle with wooden stock and metal barrel, photographed on a white background.
Side view of the stock and lock mechanism of a Rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine, featuring a wooden stock and metal trigger guard.
Side view of a rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine, an antique single-shot percussion cap rifle with a wooden stock and metal trigger guard, isolated on a white background.
Close-up view of a Rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine breech, featuring detailed engravings, wood stock, visible trigger guard, and mechanical parts.
Close-up of a brass band marked "76" around the dark wooden stock of a Rare Joslyn “Monkey Tail” Carbine.

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