Smith Carbine – Mint Bore / SOLD

Smith Carbine – Mint Bore - Inventory Number:  RIF 211 / SOLD

Single shot, breechloading, percussion firearm used by Federal mounted forces during the Civil War. Breechloading .50 caliber carbine invented and patented by physician Gilbert Smith of Buttermilk Falls, New York in late 1855. The carbine is in good condition and measures 39½” long overall and weighs seven pounds and eight ounces. Two-piece walnut stock includes a 9” forearm held by a single barrel band.  Stock shows some light handling wear from use, the cartouche is present. The 28 5/8” long barrel is octagonal under the forearm and rounded forward of the barrel band.   Barrel, receiver, hammer and butt plate exhibit a dark patina with scattered pitting in spots.  Original, folding single leaf rear sight with the “V” notch bar and a brass front sight. Retains iron saddle ring and sling bar.

Left facet of the barrel breech is replaced with a section of wood, outside border inspector cartouche is visible, “ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMBLE / BALTIMORE, U.S.A.” Found below the bar is the patent markings of “SMITH PATENT / JUNE 23, 1857” and “MANUFACTURED BY / AM’N M’CH’N WKS / SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” All stampings are legible. Serial number (21,566) stamped on the bottom of the barrel / receiver hinge plate. Good mechanics, excellent bore.

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.  A nice base representative cavalry arm of the Civil War.