Original Civil War Burnside 4th Model cavalry carbine that is in fair original condition. Produced by the Burnside Rifle Co of Providence, Rhode Island, this cavalry weapon is a .54 caliber single-shot, breech-loading carbine. This arm employed the uniquely designed, tapered .54 caliber Burnside brass cased cartridge. It features a hinged center receiver section that drops down when the inner latch in the triggerguard is activated and allows for quick insertion of the cartridge. Serial number is visible on breech block and bears serial #8021.

Barrel exhibits a dark patina with scattered pin-prick pitting throughout as does all the metal surfaces on this carbine. Bore has very good rifling but is dirty and looks to have some scattered pitting. Front and rear sights are proper for this model but the flip-up leaf on the rear sight has broken at the aperture. Barrel is faintly stamped “CAST STEEL 1862” between rear sight and single barrel band.

As stated above all metal surfaces, except for the barrel band, have a dark, untouched appearance. The side of the receiver does not have the guide screw as often seen on the 5^th Model. Top of the breech bears maker’s stamp “BURNSIDE PATENT / MARCH 25TH 1856” but it is almost obliterated by pitting and oxidation. Only the edges of the stamping are visible. The lock behind the hammer is clearly marked “BURNSIDE RIFLE CO. / PROVIDENCE, R.I.”  Mechanics are good. Hammer holds at half-cock but wiggles a bit at the full-cock position. Nipple is original and is in good, but worn condition.

Black walnut stock is good. There is no visible cartouche. Stock exhibits a number of shallow dings and dents consistent with use and age and there are several small minor cracks. One in the forend that runs approx. 1.50 inches and two slightly parallel ones on the right butt that meas. approx. 2.25 and 0.50 inch. Left side of butt has initials scratched into the wood that look like “S. P. R.” Weapon is fitted with a cavalry sling bar with a brass ring and replaced sling bar anchor screw.

According to Norm Flayderman approx. 7000 4^th Model Burnsides were produced and it was the first to feature a hinged breechblock.  [ad]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!