Here we present an antique Massachusetts Arms Co. Smith’s Patent Carbine, made circa 1863 by Massachusetts Arms Co. of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, and retailed by Poultney and Trimble of Baltimore, Maryland. A total of 30,362 of these carbines were made with a production run between 1861 and 1865, and almost all of them were used in the Union cavalry of the American Civil War. Many were used after the war throughout the U.S. including by the Indians during their raids into Canada.
The designer was Dr. Gilbert Smith of New York. His design featured a simple break open action, providing a single shot, utilizing a cartridge made of rubber. While many different cartridges were in use simultaneously during the war—which must have been a logistical nightmare—the rubber cartridge was both a nuisance to the shooter who had to get the hot gummy thing out of the chamber once fired, as well as to the ammunition manufacturer, who had to acquire rubber from distant places. In place of rubber, many other materials were also tried.
Barrel is 21-5/8 inches.
Caliber: .50 Percussion
Overall condition good to very good.
Serial Number : 10686
According to Flayderman, the Smith Carbine was known to have been utilized in number by the 3rd West Virginia, 7th and 11th Illinois, 1st Connecticut, 7th and 17th Pennsylvania, 6th and 9th Ohio, and 1st Massachusetts Cavalries.
The over condition is good. Gray, lightly textured patina throughout. The action is excellent. The bore is nice with sharp rifling. The numbers match. The walnut stock is in good condition, showing use. There is a minor and stable split on the top side of the wrist and was repaired long ago and has initials carved boldly into the buttstock.
This is an antique firearm manufactured before 1898. Under the Gun Control Act it is classified by the ATF as an antique, not a “firearm,” and requires no FFL or government paperwork to own. Dixie Relics does not sell modern firearms — every original gun offered is a pre-1898 antique.
It is sold strictly as a collectible antique and should be enjoyed for its historical significance, not fired. By ordering you acknowledge these facts and assume full responsibility.
Antique, curio/relic firearms, firearm parts, and related items may still be subject to federal, state, local, carrier, and payment-processor restrictions. This listing is not legal advice and is not a representation that an item can ship to every buyer or location — please confirm current requirements before purchase or shipment.