Massachusetts Arms Co Civil War Maynard 1863 2nd Model Carbine 50 Cal Rifle

SOLD FOR: $1751.69

LSB#: 210610DS22

Make: Massachusetts Arms Company

Model: Maynard Patent Carbine, 2nd Model (Model 1863)

Serial#: 20379

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1863-1865

Caliber/Gauge: .50 Caliber Percussion

Action Type: Single Shot Percussion Breechloading Rifle with Lever Operated Break-Open Action

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “EDWARD MAYNARD / PATENTEE / MAY 27. 1851. / DEC. 6. 1859.”. The right side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURED BY / MASS. ARMS CO. / CHICOPEE FALLS.”. The lower tang is marked “20379”. The left side of the barrel at the receiver is marked “W”. The left side of the wrist has two worn cartouches that are obscured by heavy wear. The top tang on the buttplate in front of the mounting screw and the rear base of the sling bar are marked “M”. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “N”.

Barrel Length: 20”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding leaf sight that is dovetailed into the octagon portion of the barrel. There are three leaves, each with a “U” notch in the top edge. The rear leaf and the center leaf pivot together and are set at 90 degrees from each other. The front leaf can be pivoted up or down once the middle leaf is raised. The rear face of the middle leaf is marked “2” and the front leaf is marked “5”.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with straight wrist and steel semi-crescent buttplate. The stock has scattered nicks, dings and scratches. While both sides have been heavily worn, the left side has more wear than the right. The LOP measures 14 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows a mottled patina with scattered light pitting and has some black paint spots. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp. There is erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel shows a light mottled patina throughout with scattered faint newer surface oxidation. The receiver’s case color has mostly muted. The receiver has scattered light surface oxidation. The hammer has light pitting. The nipple has light erosion on the exterior, the flash-hole is unobstructed and the mouth of the nipple shows minor wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings on the left side of the wrist are largely worn off but the rest remain clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as an Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the barrel lockup is solid. The nipple is clear and not deformed. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Maynard Patent Carbines used during the Civil War were designed by Dr. Edward Maynard, a dentist, who was best known for his invention of a mechanical priming system used in several different rifles and carbines, one of the first being the U.S. Model 1855 rifle. Many older rifles were also modified to use this system. The Maynard Patent Carbines were manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Company. The first model featured both .35 and .50 caliber carbines and had a distinguishing patchbox. The second model, also known as the Model 1863, omitted the Maynard priming system to increase production rates, and was sold to the Union only in .50 caliber. Both models saw action during the war although the first was more extensively used by both sides, while the second model was issued to a limited number of Union units. This 2nd model, also known as the model 1863, is in about Very Good condition as Antique with about 40% of its original finish remaining. The bore is pretty darned good for a 160-year-old black powder rifle. The action functions correctly and the barrel lockup is solid. This is a very interesting rifle, and like all breech-loading carbines of the time, played an important part in the Civil War. This will be a great addition to any collection of Civil War carbines and deserves a spot next to all of the other single-shot breech-loading carbines used in the war. While there is no way to confirm if this rifle saw service during the Civil War, many were sold after the war having spent most of the time in storage, this model did see service and has use for reenactors. Please see our photos and good luck!

Massachusetts Arms Co Civil War Maynard 1863 2nd Model Carbine 50 Cal Rifle
Massachusetts Arms Co Civil War Maynard 1863 2nd Model Carbine 50 Cal Rifle