Gibbs Carbine - Rare
Gibbs Carbine - Rare - Inventory Number: RIF 210
Gibbs Model .52 caliber, percussion, breechloading carbine of the Civil War. Designed and produced by William F. Brooks of New York City in 1863, the total quantity made was only 1,052 carbines. The production of these Gibbs carbines was cut short when his Phenix Armory was destroyed by fire during the infamous New York City Draft Riots of 1863. The US Ordnance Department had contracted for 10,000 carbines but only 1,052 pieces were completed and 500 of the Gibbs were issued to members of the 10th Missouri Cavalry Regiment (US). The remaining carbines were issued to the 13th and 16th New York cavalry regiments.
This original specimen measures almost 39” long overall with a 22” round barrel. When the operating lever is activated, the barrel slides forward and upwards to load a round.
Barrel wears a mostly dark patina with some light mottling and dark oxidation spots. It is mated to a ¾ length, black walnut stock and secured with an iron band / nose cap mount. Barrel’s six-groove rifling is still visible. A folding two-leaf rear sight rests on top of the barrel forward of breech.
Iron lock plate is plain except for the stamping “WM F. BROOKS / MANFr NEW YORK” located just forward of the nipple bolster. This type of lock marking lacks the eagle found on later production weapons making this one an early example. Bolster still retains the original nipple. Hammer and breech are dark and textures as are all the metal parts. The hammer operates properly. Breech action functions. On the top of breech next to the nipple is partially legibly stamped “L.H. GIBBS / PAT’D /JANY8. 1856.”
The rough condition black walnut stock exhibits numerous small dings, dents and scratches. The buttplate is There is a thin crack on the underside of the forestock. Overall surface of the stock appears in barn find condition. Some screws are lacking.
This seldom seen Gibbs carbine is a rare representative cavalry arm of the Civil War and would fill the void of one of the rarest carbines of the American Civil War.
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Inventory Number: RIF 210