Mass Arms Maynard 2nd Model Carbine .50 Cal 20” Single Shot Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,085.00

LSB: LSB260224HE038

Make: Massachusetts Arms Co.

Model: 2nd Model Carbine

Serial Number: 24132

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1865

Caliber: .50 Cal Maynard

Action Type: Single Shot Lever Actuated Breech Loaded Single Shot Rifle. 

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 rear tang is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 20”. Octagon to round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered blade that is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a 3 leaf folding dovetailed into the barrel. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece walnut with a straight wrist, straight comb, and steel buttplate. The LOP is 14 3/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are more extensive compression dents on the left side of the wrist. There are a few white paint specs scattered throughout. There is a small crack on the lower right of the wrist. Overall this stock is in Fair condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There are a few spots of minor pitting. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 65% of its current finish. The barrel has been scrubbed and swabbed with cold blue. There is blue in the pits. There is some uneven application of the cold blue. The color case is muted and faded. There is pitting and corrosion staining throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are faint but legible. Overall this rifle is in Good condition.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. 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: None.

Our Assessment: This Massachusetts Arms Co. Maynard 2nd Model Carbine is a desirable antique breechloading single-shot arm, manufactured circa 1865 and chambered in .50 Cal Maynard. The 2nd Model Maynard has strong historical appeal as a Civil War-era design, and this example retains several important identifying features, including the Mass. Arms Co. Chicopee Falls marking, Edward Maynard patent marking, serial-numbered tang, 20″ octagon-to-round barrel, three-leaf folding rear sight, and tapered blade front sight. Its lever-actuated breechloading action and compact carbine configuration make it an interesting representative of the transitional period between percussion muzzleloaders and later metallic-cartridge arms.

Condition is mixed, with the strongest point being the bore. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only a few spots of minor pitting, earning an 8/10 rating and suggesting better internal preservation than many antique carbines of this age. Externally, however, the rifle has been refinished, and the barrel has been scrubbed and treated with cold blue, leaving blue in the pits and an uneven finish appearance. The current finish retention is approximately 65%, but because it is not original, it contributes more to appearance than collector value. The muted case colors, pitting, corrosion staining, tooled screw heads, and faint but legible markings all place the metal in a Good but altered condition category.

The stock is in Fair condition, showing scratches, compression dents, heavier dents at the left wrist, scattered white paint specks, and a small crack at the lower right wrist. Mechanically, the action is reported to function correctly, though the carbine has not been test-fired and should be inspected and cleaned before any consideration of use. Overall, this is a historically appealing antique Maynard 2nd Model Carbine with a notably strong bore and functional action, but its value is moderated by refinished metal, cold-blue treatment, pitting, corrosion staining, faint markings, stock wear, and the wrist crack. It would likely appeal most to an antique arms collector or Civil War-era firearms enthusiast who values mechanical completeness and historical form over untouched originality. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF