Civil War Massachusetts Arms Co Maynard 1863 2nd Model Carbine 50 Cal Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2425
LSB#: 211229DR05
Make: Massachusetts Arms Company
Model: Maynard Patent Carbine, 2nd Model (Model 1863)
Serial Number: 18006
Year of Manufacture: 1865 (Carbines of the Civil War – John D. McAulay)
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 “18006”. The left side of the barrel at the receiver is marked “N”. The top tang on the buttplate in front of the mounting screw is marked “S”. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “N”. The saddle ring base is marked “S”. The comb is stamped “N” at the rear. The left side of the wrist is stamped with two cartouches.
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 a straight wrist, straight comb, and steel buttplate. The stock has some scattered dings, compressions, and scratches. The marks are relatively evenly dispersed. There are no chips or cracks. There are light handling marks. The LOP measures 14 5/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows a thick patina with some scattered light scuffs, minor scabs, and a few spots of pinprick erosion. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is lightly worn but strong and clearly defined. There are a few areas of erosion and light pitting at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The frame has some areas of thinning, some of the most noticeable is on the sides and bottom at the front. The case color is generally strong though. There are some scattered spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation and a few small light scabs. The hammer has some scattered spots of oxidation. There are some scattered spots of oxidation on the tangs. The barrel has a few light scratches, they are on the bottom at the muzzle. There are some scattered areas of light erosion, discoloration from previous oxidation, and a few light scabs on the barrel. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp to lightly worn. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-Fine 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-Fine condition as Antique with about 80% of its original finish remaining and looks seriously impressive. 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. Please see our photos and good luck!