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, which looks to have seen only light use in service. This rifle was purchased at a recent auction, and definitely looks to have had led an interesting life after service. Almost the entire surface of the barrel, front barrel band, and top strap have an almost "pebbled" texture from oxidation and subsequent cleaning. However near things like the rear sight, the woodline, and the top strap base, there is much less oxidation. The receiver on the other hand still shows the original finish quite well, with some smaller areas of this type of oxidized texture, which almost looks like it it had some type of oxidation agent applied to the exterior to give it this lovely textured patina. We rather suspect that it was in an area that went through temperature changes, and slowly over decades moisture would condense on the metal, and cause minor oxidation.

The distributor information is marked on the left upper receiver, which is still crisp and unmarred:

To the left of this above the saddle ring bar, is the manufacture's abbreviated address marking, also clearly legible:

There is also the correct SMITH'S PATENT / JUNE. 23. 1857 marking horizontally under the saddle ring bar, so it is hard to photograph. All of these markings are in great shape, without any of the pebbled oxidation on them, while it is present only an inch away on the receiver in a clearly defined area. The carbine carries a very early three digit serial number of 552 stamped on the underside of the barrel hinge on both the receiver and barrel side, which are still crisp and fully legible.

The screws are mostly still present and have intact slots, though some are definitely a bit worn from use. The cap bolster cleanout screw is present, but currently seized. Mechanically, this carbine is sound with a a bit of wobble in the action, strong springs, and breaks open correctly. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full, and has a strong mainspring. The saddle ring is still intact, retained by the saddle bar on the right hand side. The rear sight is present and intact, however the slider is difficult to move due to oxidation and dried grease.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is some past oxidation and fouling in the grooves, but it definitely looks to have been well cared for, and is much better than the typical Civil War era barrels that we see. The breech joint shows only a small of powder burn and oxidation, which confirms that this carbine did not see a large amount of use.

The stocks are in very good condition, showing the expected dents, dings, and other wear from long service. The fore stock has has a few chips missing, but no major cracks, repairs, or other damage, and matches the condition of the carbine well. The butt stock has a lovely color, showing a bit less denting, though there is a crack on the left side by the rear receiver, which does show some movement. There is also what looks like the base for a peep sight on the top of the butt stock by the receiver. We can see an oval JH cartouche for inspector Joseph Hannis, a known Civil War inspector of Smith's Carbines.

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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