Clint Smith U.S. Civil War M1863 5th Model Burnside Carbine .54 Cal Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,385.00
LSB#: LSB260703CS022
Make: Burnside Rifle Co.
Model: 1863 5th Model Burnside Carbine
Serial Number: 1040
Year of Manufacture: Circa, January 1864 (Carbines Of The Civil War By John D. McAulay) / Antique
Caliber: .54 Burnside
Action Type: Falling block Breech Loaded, Single Shot Percussion Rifle, with Foster Patent Lever.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “Burnside Patent Model of 1864”. The side of the lock is marked, “THE BURNSIDE RIFLE Co. PROVIDENCE RI. The serial number is marked on the top of the breech block and receiver. The stock cartouches are faded and no longer legible. The left side of the stock is hand carved “AJM 1864”
Barrel Length: 21″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a two position flip-up sight marked out to 5.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece walnut set with a barrel band, saddle ring/bar, straight wrist, sling loop, straight comb, and steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock has been lightly sanded and refinished. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition for Antique.
Type of Finish: Arsenal Bright, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There is some minor pitting. There is minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. The metal has worn to a light brown patina with minor corrosion staining. There are light scratches throughout. There is some minor pitting around the stockline. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are legible. Overall this rifle is in Good condition for Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is slightly loose. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Box of loading supplies. Signed letter of ownership from Clint Smith.
Our Assessment: The Burnside Model 1863 Fifth Model Carbine is a distinctive Civil War-era cavalry arm chambered in .54 Burnside and built around Ambrose Burnside’s breechloading percussion system. This example features a 21″ barrel, Foster-patent operating lever, saddle ring and bar, two-position rear sight, and matching serial numbers on the receiver and breechblock. Its hand-carved “AJM 1864” stock marking, included loading supplies, and signed ownership letter from Clint Smith add further character and provenance.
The Burnside carbine was among the most widely issued Federal cavalry carbines of the American Civil War. Its unusual tapered brass cartridge sealed the breech when fired, while ignition was provided by a conventional percussion cap. The Fifth Model represented the final and most numerous version of the design, incorporating improvements to the breech mechanism and lever system. Produced by the Burnside Rifle Company of Providence, Rhode Island, these carbines saw extensive Union cavalry service and remain important examples of the rapid development of military breechloading arms during the 1860s.
This carbine retains virtually none of its original finish, with the metal worn to a light brown patina showing minor corrosion staining, scratches, and localized pitting near the stock line. The lightly refinished walnut stocks remain in Good antique condition with scattered dents and scratches but no cracks. The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling, minor pitting, and light fouling, rating 7/10. The action functions correctly, though lockup is slightly loose. Overall, this is a solid Civil War Burnside carbine in Good antique condition, enhanced by its period stock carving, loading supplies, and Clint Smith provenance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF