3105

Rare Civil War Gibbs Breech Loading Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,750.00 USD
Rare Civil War Gibbs Breech Loading Carbine
This is a solid example of a Gibbs Carbine that was manufactured by William F. Brooks, New York City in 1863. Only 1,052 Gibbs carbines were manufactured prior to the destruction of the Phoenix Armory by fire during the New York draft riots of 1863. The government had contracted for a total of 10,000, but only the 1,052 were completed. About 500 Gibbs were issued to the 10th Missouri Cavalry with lesser quantities to the 13th and 14th New York Cavalry. The lock plate is marked "Wm F. BROOKS / MANFr NEW YORK / 1865" forward of the hammer and eagle behind the hammer. The top of the receiver is marked: "L.H. GIBBS / PAT'D / JANY 8, 1856" at the bolster. The left rear of the barrel is marked with a "B" and the buttplate tang "U.S.". Sling bar and ring mounted on the left side plate. Casehardened breech, lock plate and trigger guard/lever, the rest of the metal surfaces are blue, and mounted with a one piece straight grip stock with iron carbine buttplate. A crude star and two triangles have been carved into the right side of the buttstock
BBL: 22 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 52 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: nsn
Condition: Very good. The metal surfaces have a mottled brown and gray patina with a small amount of pin prick type pitting on the left side, rear of the barrel and on the left side plate. The center side plate screw is a marred crude replacement with the opposite showing circular noticeable tool marks. The stock has been varnished some time ago and remains very good. There are overall dents, dings and scratches. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent. A solid example of a seldom encountered Gibbs Civil War carbine.