Smith Cavalry Carbine - Serial Number: 356

Smith Cavalry Carbine Inventory Number: RIF 045 / SOLD

Serial Number: 356

Very nice example of the .50 caliber Smith Cavalry Carbine.  This Smith’s Patent Carbine carries a three-digit serial number and receiver stampings that reflect an early birth at the American Machine Works factory in Springfield, Massachusetts.  The Smith’s Patent Carbine, as a single shot, breech loading, percussion .50 caliber, was one of the most important Federal Cavalry carbines of the Civil War.  Production of these carbines was almost entirely consumed by government contracts.  A total of approximately 30,362 Smith Carbines were purchased by the United States during the Civil War.  The left side of the receiver is marked with the standard address and patent dates: on the forward portion of the receiver, stamped horizontally, is "MANUFACTURED BY / AM' N M'CH'N WKS / SPRINGFIELD MASS", on rearward portion of the receiver above the saddle ring bar, stamped horizontally, is "ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMBLE / BALTIMORE, U.S.A.", and underneath the saddle ring bar, stamped horizontally, is "SMITH'S PATENT / JUNE 23, 1857".  The serial number “356” is marked on the bottom of the frame in two places. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight.  The barrel is stamped on the left side with the inspector's mark “L.F.R.”.  The walnut buttstock carries a nice deep cartouche on the left side a “J H” in cursive script in an oval.  There are numerous markings on the carbine, which are sharp.  Strong traces of bluing remain on the barrel.  This is the lowest serial numbered Smith we’ve encountered!

Smith carbines saw extensive service with the following cavalry regiments: 1st Massachusetts, 6th and 9th Ohio, 1st Connecticut, 7th and 17th PA, 7th and 11th Illinois and the 3rd West Virginia Regiments.

Inventory Number: RIF 045 / SOLD