Original Item: Only One Available. This is a real find, and is one of only a few 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. First introduced in 1861, the rifle was refined in 1862, and a total of only 3000 were ever made, chambered for .56-52 Spencer Rimfire metallic cartridges.

The example we have is in good service used condition, with all parts intact and in good shape, bearing serial number 3380 on the breech block and receiver tang. It definitely looks to have spent time outdoors in service, possibly in wet conditions, which has resulted in peppering and light pitting throughout the exterior surface. The butt stock, trigger guard, and barrel band are brass, which usually signifies Naval service, as the brass did not rust.

The wood stock does show wear from years of use, but there is no structural damage that we can see, just the usual scratches, dents, and dings from service and age. There is some staining around the metal components from the oxidation of the steel. There are some faint cartouches on the left side of the stock near the lock screws, but we are not able to read them.

The bore shows clear rifling with a partly bright finish, but there is definitely oxidation near the muzzle, similar to the exterior finish. The action works correctly, opening smoothly and locking back into place. The firing pin is fully functional, with an intact return spring. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.

The carbine is marked on the Lock Plate, which has become somewhat faint:

The top of the swiveling breech block is faintly marked (partly worn away):

It might be possible to further clean and restore the carbine, but as it was most likely Naval issued, we have left it mostly as received, to preserve the history and patina.

This is a very good example of a rare and historical civil war carbine, and would be a great addition to any collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Years of Manufacture: circa 1863
Caliber: .56-52 Spencer
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 39 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 1961 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.