This weapon was designed by Mahlon J. Gallager – a northern-born resident of Savannah, GA - who licensed the design to Richardson and Overman of Philadelphia for production. Prior to the war, Gallager found himself in extreme debt, with a hefty judgment levied against him.  On 31 August 1861 the first of these weapons were sold to the Army and changed his financial status.

The carbine was strongly made, but unpopular with troops. Frequently, the cases stuck due to expansion of the brass cartridge case and were difficult to remove.  A total of 22,782 were sold to the U.S. Army, a just over 17,000 saw service with the cavalry.

The weapon offered here has a walnut shoulder stock with iron butt plate and patch box. Extra nipple still in patch box. Wood has deep color and original finish. Moderate dings and dents. No inspector’s cartouches remain to be seen.

The 22” round barrel is equipped with flip-up rear sight with short leaf graduated at 100-yards, a hole in the long leaf for 300-yards, and the notch in the top of the long leaf set for 500-yards. A thick “pinched” blade front sight is mounted at the muzzle. Gun metal surfaces are smooth with dark brown mottled patina overall with just a few small thumb-sized patches of surface pitting on the barrel. Lever action operates smoothly and hammer / trigger action remains strong. Bore is bright and clean with sharp rifling.  Lock is clearly marked “GALLAGER’S PATENT / JULY 17th, 1860” at far left, with “MANUFACT’D BY / RICHARDSON & OVERMAN / PHILADA” over the serial number “14635”. Heavy sling bar and ring remain on left side.

This is a solid Gallager carbine in fine condition.  [jet] [ph:L]

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