Presented here, in excellent plus original condition, is a 2^nd Model Maynard carbine referred to as the Model 1863. Carbine was widely regarded as one of the best performing and most accurate of all the cavalry arms used during the Civil War.  The breech-loading Maynard carbine employed a metallic cartridge and was the invention of New Jersey doctor Edward Maynard who patented his first model carbine in 1851.  During the Civil War, the U.S. Ordnance Dept contracted for over 20,000 single shot, percussion, .50 caliber, and 2nd Model carbines. Produced by the Massachusetts Arms Company of Chicopee, Mass, these carbines were issued to Federal cavalry and the Maynard proved a lightweight, very serviceable and dependable carbine that saw extensive service in the field.

This pleasing specimen is a later production carbine with serial #23701. Carbine has a total length of 36 7/8” with a 20” round barrel and no forend and is in excellent original condition with an untouched black walnut stock that exhibits the original ‘feathering’ effect. Stock bears two, deep government ‘cartouches’ on the left side near receiver.  Fitted with a sling bar and saddle ring on the left side of the breech frame, the carbine has a folding two-leaf rear sight and a slightly curved iron butt plate. Receiver retains beautiful case colors. Barrel includes a 5” long octagonal section at the breech with remainder a round barrel.  Barrel exterior retains almost all of its original bluing and wears a pleasing patina overall.  Bore is minty-plus, mirror bright with excellent three-groove rifling. Hammer retains its original bluing. Receiver / barrel hinge pin tight and strong with no play in lever operation.

All stampings on the frame are sharp and read, “MANUFACTURED BY / MASS. ARMS CO. / CHICOPEE FALLS” in three lines on the obverse side while the reverse side is marked “EDWARD MAYNARD / PATENTEE / MAY 27, 1851 / DEC. 6, 1859” in four lines.  Triggerguard tang is deeply stamped with “1865” and the serial # “23701”. Sub-inspector stampings found on the sling bar, rear sight, butt plate and at toe of stock.  All gun metal fine to very fine.  Serial # 8979 is sharp and strongly stamped unto the lower tang.  Carbine exhibits tight, strong mechanics.  All frame screws excellent with much bluing. This Second Model Maynard carbine is a very excellent original representative Civil War cavalry arm that would enhance any Civil War display or collection.

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