An early example of a single shot, breech loading, .50 caliber, percussion model Gallagher carbine issued to the Federal cavalry during the Civil War. Mahlon J. Gallagher, a South Carolina native, developed the weapon while he resided in Savannah, Georgia in July 1860. From its factory location at 12^th and Thompson St in Philadelphia, the firm produced almost 18,000 of these carbines for the Federal government from 1861 to 1865. These carbines saw extended service with Union horsesoldiers during the war but the weapon was not well liked by the troopers due to the difficulty in extracting the spent cartridge casings from the breech. The Gallager featured a breech loading mechanism which consisted of a lever / trigger guard combination that when pushed down, allowed the barrel to slide forward and tilt up and away from the barrel. Though Gallager boasted that his design would facilitate the easy removal of the spent casing from the breech, this extraction action was the major defect of his weapon.

This specimen bears serial # 332 and features a 22¼” long round barrel, no fore-end or comb with a total length of 39½”. Fitted with a sling bar with saddle ring on the left side of the breech frame, the carbine also has a two-leaf rear sight, iron blade front sight and a slightly curved butt plate. The round barrel wears a light plum-colored patina and exhibits scattered light pinprick rusting overall. Bore is dusty. The carbine is iron mounted with a receiver and barrel that appears to have been cleaned. No original colors visible. Stamping “GALLAGER / PATENTED JULY 17^TH 1860” on lock plate thin but visible.

Black walnut stock exhibits its original iron patchbox that retains a spare nipple inside. Stock has a number of dings, dents, and scratches and also has been repaired with a 3½” x ½” section of wood stock below the lock plate. Wood wears a coating of varnish or sealant. No cartouches or sub-inspector stampings visible. Carbine exhibits good mechanics and frame screws have been buggered up. A good early Gallager cavalry carbine of the Civil War.

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