Smith Carbine

Smith Carbine - Inventory Number:  RIF 173

The Smith Carbine ranks fourth in the number of carbines purchased and issued to the Union Army. Over 31,000 were purchased by the federal government beginning in January 1862. The breechloading .50 caliber carbine was invented and patented by physician Gilbert Smith of Buttermilk Falls, New York in late 1855. The carbine featured a break action via upward pressure on a brass plunger in front of the trigger. The plunger lifts a spring steel strap that secures the barrel to the breech. The carbine accepted a hard rubber cartridge with a small hole in the bottom ignited via a hammer and percussion cap. The hard rubber cartridges often led to extraction problems, the greatest complaint against the weapon. Regardless, the carbine saw extensive service with numerous Union cavalry regiments such as the 1st Massachusetts, 6th and 9th Ohio, 1st Connecticut, 7th and 17th PA, 7th and 11th Illinois and the 3rd West Virginia. 

The left side of the breech bears the clear marking “ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMBLE / BALTIMORE, U.S.A.”, “SMITH PATENT / JUNE 23, 1857” and “MANUFACTURED BY / MASS. ARMS CO / CHICOPEE FALLS.” The serial number 18129 is stamped on the bottom of the barrel hinge. The action is crisp and tight and functions on all positions. The nipple is original and in excellent condition. The receiver and breech area of the barrel retain a considerable amount of case coloring, with strong bluing on the barrel and spring steel strap. The bore is somewhat dark but would clean up well and has strong rifling. The stock remains in very good condition with two cartouches on the left side of the wrist. The carbine weighs 7 ½ lbs. and has an overall length of 39”. A fine example and a necessary addition to a Civil War carbine collection.  

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 Inventory Number:  RIF 173