Original Item: Only One Available. The Smith Carbine was a 0.50 caliber breech-loading rifle patented by Gilbert Smith on June 23, 1857 and successfully completed the Military Trials of the late 1850s. It was used by various cavalry units during the American Civil War. It was unique in that it broke apart in the middle for loading, and that it used rubber cartridges which sealed the gases in the breech. The downside was that these cartridges were difficult to remove. It was one of the many "capping breech loader" firearms that bridged the gap between percussion and cartridge firearms.

The carbines were built by three companies: Massachusetts Arms Company of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts; the American Machine Works in Springfield, Massachusetts; or the American Arms Company in Chicopee Falls. The name of the distributor for the manufacturer, Poultney & Trimble of Baltimore, Maryland, is often stamped on the carbine's receivers, as is the case with this example.

This is a rare Civil War era example of a complete and original Smith's Patent Carbine in lovely condition, really one of the better examples that we have seen over the years. It looks to have had the finish on the receiver and breech latch given a refresh some years ago, and both the front and rear sights were replaced with modern equivalents set into dovetails. We cannot see any major rust issues or past pitting, and the stocks have a great aged look, though they look to have possibly been cleaned aggressively in the past.

The markings are still fully present, with the distributor information is marked on the left upper receiver:

Below this, under the saddle ring bar, is the manufacturer marking:

To the left of this, under the saddle ring bar written vertically, is the correct patent marking:

The carbine carries a four digit serial number of 9359 stamped on the underside of the barrel hinge on both the receiver and barrel side. There is also an L.F.R. inspector cartouche on the left side of the barrel chamber, for sub-inspector La Fayette Rogers, a known inspector of these carbines. We can see additional cartouches on the left butt stock, however they are too worn to read.

Mechanically, this carbine is sound with a tight action, strong springs, and mostly components (in our opinion) except for the replaced sights, and some screws. We also noted that the trigger guard tang screw is missing. There is little to no fouling or oxidation in the barrel breech joint and chamber, indicating the carbine did not see much use at all. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with strong lands and grooves, definitely well above average for a black powder gun from the Civil War era. The lock is functional, however it does not seem to have a half cock position, just full cock. We also noted that the cap nipple cone has been replaced with a brass example.

The walnut stocks are in very good condition, showing a beautiful red brown color only achieved decades after being oiled. The grain patterns are quite prominent, and we can definitely see that both the fore and butt stocks were cleaned repeatedly with something abrasive, which has given them a really unique look. There are not any repairs or major damage that we can see. The saddle ring is still intact, retained by the saddle bar on the right hand side.

Here is an important piece of American firearm history from the time of the American Civil War, and it is available to one person only; the collector enthusiast who appreciates rare and hard to find!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1863
Caliber: .50"
Cartridge Type: Rubber Cartridge with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 21 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Single Shot Breech Loading

The Smith's Patent Carbine, a single shot, breech loading, percussion .50 caliber, was one of the most important Federal Cavalry carbines of the Civil War. Production of these carbines was almost entirely consumed by government contracts. A total of approximately 30,362 Smith Carbines were purchased by the United States during the Civil War.

The part octagonal and part round barrel is 21 5/8 inches long, with blued finish, while the action is case hardened. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight. The "octagonal" portion of the barrel is 6 1/8 inches long and consists of 5 flats over the top 180 degrees of the barrel and a round surface for the lower 180 degrees (the portion under the hand guard). The front 14 inch section of the barrel is round. The butt stock has a steel two-screw curved carbine butt plate. All smith carbines were originally chambered in .50, utilizing a "Capping Breech Loader" system.

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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.