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. Approximately 43,000 carbines of this model were produced. This model represented only modest improvements over the earlier models, most notably being the placement of a guide screw on the right side of the receiver, this improvement facilitated smoother operation during loading.

Standard features include an iron buttplate, single iron barrel band and band spring, saddle ring and bar on left side, double iron trigger guard/loading lever, hinged leaf-sight, sling swivel, and a chamber tapered for unique Burnside metal cartridge with a priming hole in the bottom for percussion ignition.

The maker’s marks on top of frame are easily read, “BURNSIDE PATENT / MARCH 25TH 1856.” Also stamped “CAST STEEL 1862” on the barrel. Serial number 25027 appears on the top of the barrel breech and the receiver. Lock plate stamped “BURNSIDE RIFLE CO. / PROVIDENCE = R.I.” There are no cartouches visible. Barrel length is 20 inches. The head of the guide screw on right side of breech shows heavy use. Gun metal appearance is overall matching with a pewter-gray tone. All metal surfaces on the underside are covered with darker spotting. The bore is clear with light pitting and strong rifling. Action is strong and crisp.

The two-piece wood stock has a dark color with moderate dings and dents from age and use. Two slivers out of top edges of fore stock in front of the barrel band.

This carbine is identified to Patrick Barry, Company G, 14th PA Cavalry by serial number. Included are photocopies of Barry’s military and pension records. Pvt. Barry enlisted on December 21, 1863, in Pittsburgh, PA. He was an 18-year-old laborer born in Ireland. He was present for duty with the regiment until mustered out of service on August 24, 1865 at Fort Leavenworth, KS.

The 14th PA Cavalry was organized in Pittsburg, PA in November of 1862. The unit was attached to the 8th Corps until December 1863 which is when Pvt. Barry joins the unit. The following are some of the events while Barry was present:

Winchester March 22 and April 8, 1864. Sigel's Expedition to New Market April 23-May 16. Averill's Raid on Virginia & Tennessee Railroad May 5-19. Battle of New Market May 15. Hunter's Expedition to Lynchburg May 26-July 1. Occupation of Staunton June 6. Moved to the Shenandoah Valley in July. Kernstown, Winchester, July 24. Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign August to November including Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. Operations in the valley until April 20. Ordered to Washington, D. C., April 20, and duty there until June. Grand Review May 23-24. Moved to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., June, and duty in the District of the Plains until mustered out August 24, 1865.
Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 97 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 296 Enlisted men by disease. Total 395.    [jet] [ph:L]

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