Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Civil War Smith Patent .50 caliber percussion breech loading saddle ring carbine manufactured by American Machine Works of Springfield, Massachusetts, serial number 9397. It retains strong maker, distributor, patent, serial, and inspection markings, a functioning top break action, its saddle ring, and a very good three groove bore with much of the rifling still clearly visible.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Smith Carbine was patented by Gilbert Smith on June 23, 1857 and became one of the better known percussion breech loaders used by U.S. cavalry during the Civil War. Rather than using a self contained metallic cartridge, the action breaks open at the center for loading and was designed around a combustible or flexible cartridge that helped seal the breech when fired. The system represents an important transitional step between traditional muzzle loading percussion arms and later metallic cartridge breech loaders.

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.

The left upper receiver is marked with the distributor information:

ADDRESS
POULTNEY & TRIMBLE
BALTIMORE. U.S.A.

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

MANUFACTURED BY
AM N. M CH N. WKS
SPRINGFIELD MASS.

identifying American Machine Works of Springfield, Massachusetts.

To the left, arranged vertically beneath the saddle ring bar, is the patent marking:

SMITH'S PATENT
JUNE. 23. 1857

The carbine is serial numbered:

9397

on the underside of the barrel hinge, with matching numbers present on both the receiver and barrel sides of the joint. A crisp:

L.F.R.

inspection marking is present on the left side of the barrel chamber and is attributed to sub inspector La Fayette Rogers, who is known to have inspected Smith carbines.

Mechanically, the action remains tight with strong springs. The breech opens correctly when the brass release on the underside is pressed and snaps securely back into position when closed. The lock presently holds at half cock and releases at full cock with a strong mainspring. The saddle ring remains present on its bar and moves freely.

The bore is in very good condition, with the three groove rifling fully visible and a mostly bright surface. There is some wear and evidence of old oxidation that has since been cleaned, becoming more noticeable toward the chamber. The front sight remains intact with its nickel blade, and the rear sight functions correctly, with the leaf elevating and the slider remaining in position.

The carbine retains a pleasing service worn appearance with traces of its original finishes still visible. The barrel retains a substantial amount of blue, fading toward a mottled plum tone in areas. The receiver and breech show scattered peppered oxidation from age and powder residue, while protected areas still show remnants of the original case colored finish. The top strap also displays peppered oxidation, though traces of the original high gloss blue remain toward the front. Heavier oxidation is present around the percussion nipple bolster and on the underside of the hammer.

The buttstock is in very good condition and carries a crisp oval:

JH

cartouche on the left side, attributed to inspector John Hannis. The original steel butt plate remains securely attached by its two screws. The stock has a deep red brown color beneath an old waxed finish and shows a past repair at the upper rear where it meets the receiver. The repair does not appear extensive, and the stock otherwise remains very attractive. The fore stock is likewise in very good condition, with scattered pressure dents and scratches but no major structural damage.

With its American Machine Works manufacturer marking, Poultney & Trimble Baltimore address, Smith's Patent June 23, 1857 marking, matching serial number 9397 at the barrel hinge, L.F.R. and JH inspection marks, functioning top break action, surviving original finish, saddle ring, and strong three groove bore, this is a very appealing Civil War Smith Carbine. The old oxidation, cleaned peppering, heavier wear around the nipple bolster, and repaired buttstock are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Civil War cavalry, Smith Carbine, American percussion breech loader, or advanced U.S. martial arms collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1863
Maker: American Machine Works
Model: Smith Patent Carbine
Serial No.: 9397
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
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.

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.