Invented and patented by a medical physician named Gilbert Smith of Buttermilk Falls, New York in late 1855, here is an original Civil War Smith carbine in very fine condition used by Union forces during the Civil War. A single-shot, percussion firearm, the weapon is a .50 caliber, breechloading carbine that measures 39½” long overall and weighs a hefty seven pounds and eight ounces. The excellent two-piece black walnut stock is made up of a 9” forearm held by a single barrel band. Left side of stock exhibits a fine, deep stampings “H. J.” directly behind the blued ferrule. Black walnut stock retains its original feathered finish with just few light dings and scratches.  Inspector marking “B” visible on the neck of the stock on the right side near receiver. No cartouche visible on stock.

The 21 5/8” long round / octagonal-shaped barrel surface wears its original dark bluing with no rusting.  Original, brass blade front sight and folding rear sight.  Frame housing is stamped with serial number “587”.  Left side of breech opposite the hammer bears an excellent patent mark “ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMMER / BALTIMORE U.S.A.” Directly behind the sling bar is a strong patent mark “SMITH’S PATENT / JUNE 23, 1857”. A fine  maker’s stamp “MANUFACTURED BY / MASS. ARMS CO / CHICOPEE FALLS” is visible on frame at front of breech beneath sling bar.  All stampings are sharp.

Frame exhibits traces of case colors with iron furniture finished with original bluing.  Carbine exhibits very crisp mechanics.  Bore with six-groove rifling is minty with just a little dust. All screws good with very slight buggering.  The Smith carbine saw extensive service with the following volunteer cavalry regiments: 1st Connecticut, 1^st Massachusetts, 6^th and 9^th Ohio, 7^th and 17^th PA, 7^th and 11^th Illinois and the 3^rd West Virginia Regiments.

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!