Original Item: Only One Available. This is a real find, and is one of only a small number of Joslyn System firearms that we have had in over 25 years! Benjamin Franklin Joslyn was known as one of the most interesting gun designers during the U.S. Civil War, and he developed a series of breech-loading firearms, which were incremental improvements over each previous design. One of the last of these was the Model 1864 Carbine, often called the "Second Model", which had all of the improvements developed over the years. The most important of these was likely the spring lock for the breech block, which previously had a friction lock with a ball bearing, which could come open. Others included a protective shield around the firing pin extension on the rear of the breech.

The example we have is in very good service used condition, with all parts intact, though it definitely suffered damage to the at some point, and we can see a glue joint running from the wrist under the saddle ring fitting, which ends in front of the trigger guard. This means that about half of the stock was replaced, we assume with the forward portion of another stock. It bears matching serial number 5611 on the top of the breech block and barrel tang, both of which are still clear. The repaired wood stock does show wear on both the butt stock and fore stock area, so it may have been a period repair. We can see some wood filler repairs on both sides of the butt stock, which looks to have seen more wear.

The metalwork on these was originally blued and case hardened, however now it shows an overall gray polished patina from years of cleaning to remove light staining. There is some of the original bluing near the wood line on the barrel, and also around the breech area, as the carbine does not look to have seen extensive firing use while in service.

The carbine is marked on the Lock Plate with the maker information and date, which is still clear:-

The rear of the swiveling breech block is marked with the three line version of the patent markings:-

The left breech end of the barrel is marked with FDL, for Frederick D. Livingston, a known inspector of Joslyn Carbines during the war. The butt stock is still correctly marked US on the tang.

The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of past oxidation and fouling, now scrubbed away, and it looks to have seen only light use during the war. Definitely one of the best bores that we have seen on a Joslyn carbine! The action works correctly, opening smoothly and locking back into place. The firing pin is still present, with an intact and functional return spring, and it is still in the original rimfire configuration. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. The saddle ring bar on the left side is intact, and still retains the sliding ring.

This is a lovely patinated example of a rare and historical civil war carbine with a repaired stock and a great bore, which would be a great addition to any collection. Really a lovely example!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1864
Caliber: .54
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 38 3/4 inches
Action: Rotating Breech with Manual Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

History of the Joslyn Rifle:

In 1855, Joslyn designed the first of his breech-loading carbines, which had an elongated breech block that reached down to the wrist of the rifle. After successful tests, the U.S. Army ordered 50 of these rifles in 1857 in .54 caliber. The Army quickly lost interest in the rifle, but in 1858 the U.S. Navy ordered 500 of these in .58 caliber. Production problems resulted in only 150 to 200 of these rifles being delivered in 1861.

Subsequently Joslyn designed a modified version in 1861 using a metal rimfire cartridge, as opposed to the paper combustible cartridges used before. More importantly, the model 1861 introduced a laterally hinged block called the "cap" which enveloped the standing breech and could be swung open to the left when the locking catch was released. This was a vast improvement over the previous breech design.

This design was further refined in 1862 with the addition of cam surfaces which improved the cartridge seating and extraction. The Model 1861 was chambered for the Spencer .56-56 rimfire cartridge, and the improved Model 1862 used the Spencer .56-52 rimfire cartridge.

The Federal Ordnance Department ordered 860 of these carbines, which were delivered in 1862. Most went to units from Ohio. In 1862, Joslyn received an order for 20,000 carbines. Delivery on these weapons started in 1863, but by the time the Civil War came to an end only about half of these had been delivered.

The Model 1864 Carbine featured many small improvements and refinements to the Model 1862 design, and could fire either the Spencer .56-52 cartridge or a .54 caliber cartridge made by Joslyn.

In 1865, Joslyn submitted two carbine designs for trial, both based on the Model 1864 carbine. Despite the difficulties between Joslyn and the U.S. Government, an order was placed for 5,000 of these weapons. Springfield Armory produced approximately 3,000 Joslyn rifles before hostilities ended.

After the war ended, the U.S. Government canceled all remaining contracts, claiming that the rifles failed to meet specifications. Litigation related to these contracts persisted for many years after the war ended. Sadly this has resulted in the Joslyn firearms company being known more for their litigation than for the actual firearms they produced.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.