Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Civil War Burnside cavalry carbine in .54 caliber, commonly identified by collectors as the Fifth Model or Model of 1864. The carbine is matching throughout and is marked with serial number 13768 on the frame, breech block, loading lever, and beneath the barrel. This relatively early Fifth Model serial number suggests manufacture during approximately early to mid 1864.

The carbine remains in very good service used condition and has been lightly cleaned by our antique gunsmiths to remove accumulated dirt and oxidation. It does not display obvious signs of major restoration. The wood, metal, markings, saddle ring, and mechanical components retain the honest character expected of a cavalry arm that saw substantial period use.

The Burnside was one of several percussion fired breechloading carbines issued to Union cavalry during the Civil War. Its distinctive action used a tapered metallic cartridge that was inserted into a hinged breech block and ignited by a separate percussion cap.

The top of the frame is correctly marked:

BURNSIDE PATENT.
MARCH 25TH 1856.

The lock plate marking remains partially legible, with portions of the upper line worn away:

BU[RNSIDE RIFLE CO]
PROVIDENCE R.I.

The barrel retains the marking:

[C]AST-STEEL 1864

This marking is still largely visible, which is particularly desirable because these barrel stamps were often lightly or unevenly struck at the factory.

The metalwork has developed a worn, mottled patina with scattered peppering and surface oxidation, but there are no major active rust issues. Areas of original blue and case hardened finish remain visible inside the action, particularly along the sides of the breech block and operating levers.

The American black walnut stocks show the dents, dings, scratches, and handling wear expected from wartime service. There are several more substantial gouges along the sides and underside of the fore stock. Despite this wear, the wood retains attractive color and grain.

Two boxed RKW cartouches are visible on the left side of the butt stock near the receiver. These are associated with U.S. Ordnance inspector Robert K. Whiteley and appear to represent preliminary and final inspection. Cartouches of this type are correct for Fifth Model Burnside carbines and are encountered on other accepted government contract examples.

The original saddle bar and ring remain present and are in good condition, with no cracks or major damage visible around their mounting points. The original rear sling swivel is also retained on the underside of the butt stock. It is somewhat stiff but still moves correctly.

The bore is exceptional for a Civil War cavalry carbine. It is mirror bright with strong lands and grooves and still shows some original cutting marks within the rifling. Only minor fouling and oxidation are present near the muzzle. The five groove rifling remains sharp and clearly defined, making this one of the finest Burnside bores we have encountered.

The action cycles correctly, with a fully functional lock and tight mechanics. The small guide screw on the right side of the frame is also retained. This feature helps keep the breech block properly positioned during loading and is characteristic of the later Burnside variation commonly called the Fifth Model.

The Burnside carbine was designed by Ambrose E. Burnside before his better known Civil War military career. Burnside had already sold his interest in the design before the war, and he did not personally profit from its eventual success as one of the most widely issued Federal cavalry carbines, following the Sharps and Spencer in overall production.

The Burnside action employed a rotating breech block released by a loading lever and hinged locking catch. Its distinctive .54 caliber cartridge was usually made from brass and had a tapered body with a thick rounded rim near the mouth. A small opening in the cartridge base allowed ignition from a separate percussion cap placed on the external nipple.

To load the carbine, the soldier lowered the lever, inserted the cartridge base first into the breech block, and then closed the action. The thick forward rim of the cartridge helped form a gas seal between the chamber and barrel. After firing, the action was opened and the empty case removed by hand. With practice, a cavalryman could fire the Burnside at a considerably faster rate than a conventional muzzleloading arm.

The design evolved through several major variations. The early First Model lacked a fore stock and used a side lever and tape primer system. The Second Model eliminated the tape primer but retained the basic fore stock free configuration. The Third Model added a fore stock at the request of the U.S. Ordnance Department.

The later Model of 1864 incorporated a double pivoting breech block that made the action easier to open and close. A subsequent variation added the guide screw on the right side of the receiver to prevent the breech block from dropping too far during loading. Collectors commonly identify this later configuration as the Fifth Model, although period and modern references sometimes differ in how the final Burnside variations are classified.

With its matching serial number, two visible inspector cartouches, original saddle ring equipment, legible barrel and receiver markings, tight action, and truly excellent bore, this is a particularly appealing example of one of the principal Union cavalry carbines of the Civil War.

Specifications:

Year of manufacture: Approximately 1864
Caliber: .54
Cartridge type: Copper case or tapered foil cartridge with percussion cap
Barrel length: 21 inches
Overall length: 39 inches
Action type: Side action percussion lock
Feed system: Breechloading hinged block
Serial number: 13768

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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.

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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.