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Very Fine Smith's Patent Percussion Breech Loading Civil War Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Carbines Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Very Fine Smith's Patent Percussion Breech Loading Civil War Carbine
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Very Fine Smith's Patent Percussion Breech Loading Civil War Carbine

This Smith carbine was manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Co., Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts and was one of the most important Federal Cavalry carbines. Designed by Gilbert Smith, the production of this breech loading percussion carbine was almost entirely consumed by government contracts, with limited numbers going to the civilian market. A total of 30,362 Smith carbines were purchased by the United States during the Civil War. Smith carbines were considered to be accurate and reliable weapons. Standard three sets of markings on the left side of the frame "MANUFACTURED BY/MASS ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS.", agents' names "ADDRESS/POULTNEY & TRIMBLE/BALTIMORE U.S.A." and "SMITH'S PATENT/JUNE 23, 1857". The left barrel flat near the receiver is marked with a small "N" and "M/P". Matching serial number on the receiver and barrel. Dovetail brass blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight absent of yard markings. Blue barrel and trigger guard, niter blue barrel latch and casehardened remaining parts. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip walnut stock with a steel carbine buttplate. There are two sharp "JM" boxed cartouches on the left wrist.

Manufacture: Massachusetts Arms Co
Model: Smith Carbine
BBL: 21 5/8 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 19596

Very fine. The barrel has 90% blue with the balance a smooth plum patina. The trigger guard retains 95% of the thin original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The barrel latch retains 20% original bright niter blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The hammer retains most of the original darkened case colors and 95% original vivid case colors remain on the receiver which also shows residue from a protective coat of varnish. The receiver hinge screw head is a bit marred. The wood is also very fine with a small gouge on the bottom of the forearm, and overall some scattered minor dents and scratches. As noted above the cartouches are sharp. The markings are crisp and clear. The barrel hinge is a bit stiff, otherwise the action is fine.