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 condition of this rifle is quite nice among surviving Burnside Carbines.  The serial number “872” can be clearly read on the top of the receiver ahead of the breach, as well as inside of the loading lever.  All mechanics work well with no play in the lever and tight lockup of the hammer in both cocking positions.  The barrel’s bore is very good – a bit dull but with very strong rifling.  A deep inspector cartouche can be seen on the stock, as well as sub inspector stampings throughout.  All wood is in good condition with scarcely any cracking, chipping, or dents. "BURNSIDE RIFLE CO. / PROVIDENCE = R. I." can be clearly read on the lockplate.  The patent stamp is clear and reads “BURNSIDE PATENT MODEL OF 1864”.  Overall length is just over 39.5” with a 21” round barrel.

This is truly a nice example of a Burnside that would make a wonderful addition to any Civil War.  [cm][ph:L]

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