This is the Burnside single shot percussion carbine, Model 1864, aka "5th model". It is a .54 caliber carbine manufactured by the Burnside Rifle Co., in Providence, Rhode Island. General Ambrose Burnside, was an official in the company before the war but was not involved in wartime development of the weapon. The Burnside carbine employed an unusual cone shaped metal cartridge for use in a percussion system. Period literature refers to the Model 1863, although none are marked with this date and collectors have referred to this model generally as the "5th model", however, that is not a contemporary term. Approximately 43,000 carbines of this model were produced, serial numbers were apparently reset to zero and run to around 43,000 overall. This model represented only modest improvements over the earlier models, most notably being the placement of a guide screw on the right side in the middle of the receiver, this improvement facilitated smoother operation during loading. Initial production, up to approximately 19,000, feature "Model 1864" stamped on the top of the breech, later production reverted back to use of the 1856 patent date. The barrel is stamped "Cast Steel", followed by a date, the date is weak or missing on most, this because the long and narrow stamp had to be centered on a round barrel, apparently most were not centered and the date at the end was simply lost, both the 1862 or the 1864 date seem to have been used but the date is obliterated or missing on most examples. Standard features include an iron buttplate, single iron barrel band, saddle riding bar and ring on left side, strap hook on bottom of butt, double hinged iron loading lever also serves as a trigger guard, hinged sight, chamber tapered for unique Burnside metal cartridge with a priming hole in the bottom for percussion.

The maker’s marks on top of frame are only partially decipherable due to condition of metal. The barrel is likewise dark and has surface pitting. Lock is dark but "BURNSIDE RIFLE CO. / PROVIDENCE = R. I." can be read. Serial number (6390) appears twice; on the top of the breech and on top of the receiver; only the “0” is visible inside on the loading lever. The small “arm” that protrudes from the pin holding the loading lever is broken and missing. There are two cartouches in the wood on the left side to indicate government inspection, and additional inspector marks on various parts. Barrel length is 21 inches. Metal appearance is overall dark with surface pitting on much of the gun, bore is clear, rifling is good, wood has good color with moderate dings and dents from age and use. The initials “A T” are carved into the stock. Carbine is functional but needs a new tumbler as the hammer will not hold when cocked. This is a complete and displayable weapon that appears to have been a “barn or basement” find. [jet]

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