RARE E.G. Lamson Model Palmer Bolt Action Civil War Carbine, External Hammer, Blue 20” Singe Shot Rifle, MFD 1865 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,555
LSB#: 151230DW13
Make: E. G. Lamson
Model: Palmer Bolt Action Carbine
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1865
Caliber: .50 Caliber Rimfire
Action Type: Bolt Handle Single Shot Carbine with Exposed Hammer
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “DE—- / P—-/ DEC. 22, 1863”. The lockplate is marked “U.S. / E.G. LAMSON & CO. / WINDSOR, VT.” and at the rear with “1865”. The bottom tang in front of the trigger guard is marked “P” and the right side of the barrel band is marked “U”.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade fixed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is missing: its dovetail on the top rear of the barrel is empty.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece with a straight grip, a barrel band around the forend and a carbine style buttplate on the butt. There is a sideplate on the left side that holds a short bar with sling ring attached. The stocks are dark with oil staining, which is heaviest around the metal parts, and there is a crack from the top of the forend on the left side down through the sideplate and exiting out the back for about ¼”. There is also a small hairline crack on either side of the forward stock bolt on the left side of the stock and a crack from the top right edge of the forend at the front of the port down to the lockplate. There is also a small sliver of wood missing at the left front side of the trigger guard. There is a small gouge on the left so on the left side of the buttstock, a few scrapes through the finish and dings on the right side, and two areas where the wood is abraded: one on the upper left of the wrist and one on the lower left of the wrist. The forend shows very light abrasions in its underside in front of the barrel band, and several handling marks scattered over its left side. The LOP measures 14 ¾” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate fits the stock well but has developed a plum colored patina and shows pitting under the patina. The buttplate rates in about Good condition. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: The finish appears to have been originally blued.
Finish Originality: We think the finish is original.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is shallow. There is erosion the length of the bore with heavy erosion near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces all show a plum colored patina, with a dark patina on the hammer. There is light pitting scattered over the barrel and lockplate with heavier pitting in the receiver and at the muzzle. The tang screws heads and the front stock bolt are disfigured, but the hammer and rear stock bolt are sharp. The markings on the lockplate are clear but those on the receiver are obscured by erosion. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The saddle ring is included.
Our Assessment: This is a Palmer Bolt Action Carbine made in 1865 by E.G. Lamson. It was the first bolt action rifle contracted for by the U.S. Army but arrived too late to be used in the Civil War. Flayderman’s estimates that only 1001 of these carbines were made, making it very rare. The bolt handle twists about ¼ turn, unlocking it and allowing it to be pulled back and a cartridge inserted, which is struck directly by the exposed hammer. The only proof mark we could find is a “P” at the front of the lower tang. The rifle is in about Good condition. It has developed a plum colored patina and shows light pitting over most of its finish, with heavier pitting at the muzzle and on the receiver. The wood shows very dark oil staining around the metal parts, and there are a few cracks in the forend at both sides of the receiver and at the forward stock bolt. There are a few small dings scattered over the buttstock with scrapes through the finish on the right side, and two areas of abrasions on the left side of the wrist. There are also several light handling marks in the forend with an area of light abrasions in front of the barrel band. The bore is dark with shallow rifling and erosion the length of the bore. This rifle will display well and belongs in a collection of civil war firearms. With only 1001 made, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that this is a rare firearm and is only going to continue to be more valuable with time.
