Gallager Carbine

Gallager Carbine - Inventory Number:  RIF 174 / SOLD

Original breech loading .50 caliber, percussion Gallagher carbine as 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. Subsequently the Philadelphia firm of Richardson and Overman obtained the rights to manufacture Gallager’s product via several contracts with the U.S. Ordnance Department. These carbines saw extensive service with the Union cavalry 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 initials, "H.C." are carved in the stock.  Serial number 16263.

 Inventory Number:  RIF 174 / SOLD