3090

Rare Civil War Confederate Morse First Type Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Rare Civil War Confederate Morse First Type Carbine
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Civil War Morse carbine manufactured by the State Military Works in Greenville, South Carolina. The State Military Works manufactured approximately 1000 of these brass-frame, breech loading carbines in 1864. The Morse carbines were manufactured by machinery captured from the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Most of the Morse carbines were issued to the South Carolina Militia; with limited numbers of the carbines issued to other Confederate forces. This is a First Type carbine with the breech block latched by an internal iron rod. The carbine has the First Type hammer with short, knurled spur. The carbine has a 20-inch round barrel with dovetail mounted brass front sight and a fixed iron rear sight. The brass frame has an integral trigger guard. The carbine has a two-piece stock and forearm with cast brass buttplate and forearm tip. A straight shank iron ramrod with detachable brass tip is mounted under the forearm and secured by a sheet brass ramrod pipe. The serial number, "103", is stamped on the underside of the frame in front of the trigger guard. The carbine correctly has no markings other than the serial number.
BBL: 20 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: 103
Condition: Very fine as most Morse first types are found in relic condition. The carbine shows the hard service wear that is typical of all Confederate weapons. The barrel has a silver-gray patina with patches of darker age discoloration. The barrel has scattered dents and scratches but no significant pitting. The brass receiver, breech block, buttplate and forearm cap have an attractive aged patina. The receiver, breech block and buttplate have scattered dents and scratches. The carbine is missing internal components. The spurless hammer will not stay at full cock and the trigger is missing the return spring. The stock and forearm show moderate-heavy handling and service wear with scattered dents and scratches. The lower portion of the stock has a carefully fitted fillet repair that appears to be contemporary to the period of use. This is a solid example of a rare Confederate Morse First Type carbine.