Original U.S. Civil War Gwyn & Campbell Type II Saddle-Ring "Union Carbine" - Serial Number 3904
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Original Item: One Only. This is a very nice example of the rare Type II Gwyn & Campbell Saddle-Ring carbine, also known as the "Grapevine Carbine" due to the snake like curves in the trigger guard lever and long hammer. One of some 4,200 carbines produced, the .52 caliber, percussion breech-loading carbine was developed for the Ohio State Cavalry in 1862 by businessmen Edward Gwyn and partner Abner C. Campbell, both of Hamilton, Ohio. The type II is more commonly encountered than the scarce Type I, which had a more "serpentine" shape, an had lock screws that attached from the right side of the lock plate. The U.S. Ordnance Dept. granted over a dozen contracts to Gwyn & Campbell for a total of 8,202 carbines of both types. A number of Federal cavalry units were armed with the G & C carbine and included the 3rd Wisconsin; 2nd and 3rd Iowa; 2nd & 3rd Arkansas; 5th and 8th Ohio; 5th, 6th and 16th Illinois along with other Civil War units.
Weapon is a single shot, falling-block action piece mated to a 19" round barrel that has a 3 1/2" long octagonal section at the breech. This specimen exhibits all iron mountings and has faint traces of case colors on the receiver. Hammer has a flat back with a beveled edge and a lever that is long and serpentine in shape. Lever locks into a long trigger-like spur inside the bottom loop of the lever.
Metal finish is quite good, though has areas of pitting near the chamber due to powder corrosion. Cap nipple is intact, and appears to be original. Matching serial number 3904 is stamped on underside of barrel, receiver, breech plug and loading lever. Weapon is stamped with maker's mark on the lockplate:
GWY[N &] CAMPBELL
[PA]TENT
[18]62
HAMILTON, O.
The carbine is lightly stamped stamped UNION / RIFLE on the side of the frame beneath the nipple area. The other side of the action has an intact ring bar with saddle ring, for use with cavalry troops. The Wood butt stock is in very good condition, with a great color, but has been sanded and refinished over the years, so the inspection cartouches are worn away. Bore still has clear rifling visible, but unfortunately there is a good amount of powder corrosion.
Overall this Carbine use by the Union Army in the Civil War is in splendid condition and is fully ready to display. A rare Civil War Carbine, most unusual to find today.
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1862-3
Caliber: .52"
Cartridge Type: Percussion Cap and Paper Cartridge
Barrel Length: 20 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action type: Falling-Block with Side-Action Lock
Feed System: Single Shot
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