Sharp US Civil War American Machine Works Smith Cavalry Carbine .50 Cal
SOLD FOR: $1,925.00
LSB#: LSB251113XX004
Make: American Machine Works
Model: Smith Carbine
Serial#: 3279
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1862-1865
Caliber: .50 Caliber
Action Type: Percussion-Ignition Break-Barrel Breech-Loaded Carbine
Barrel Length: 21 5/8”, Octagon to Round
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight presenting a “V”-notch when folded down and with a “V”-notch slider on the ladder, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel carbine-style buttplate. The cartouche on the left of the wrist is crisp. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. There is some minor loss at the toe. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear and some erosion at the heel and toe with scattered light oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8+/10 for antique.
Overall Condition: The carbine retains 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The barrel has a band of light wear about mid-way between the front of the forend and the muzzle. The receiver retains a generally strong case color with a little muting. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. There are some light nicks and small scratches. There is a scuff on the muzzle and on the tip of the hammer. The scuff on the hammer has removed the case color. The action shows operational wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. Overall, the carbine is in Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Ten rubber cartridge casings are included.
Our Assessment: This is an American Machine Works manufactured Smith Carbine that was manufactured during the Civil War. The Smith Carbine was developed by Gilbert Smith who submitted his design to the government in the 1850s. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, the government quickly placed orders for Smith’s design. By the end of the war approximately 31,000 of the Smith Carbines had been manufactured and with almost all of the carbines purchased by the U.S. Government. During the early phases of the Civil War Confederate forces managed to capture a number of Smith Carbines as well, but they had to primarily rely upon captured stocks which was not a sustainable method of arms acquisition. The production of the carbine was safely nestled in the North, well out of reach for Confederate forces. The Smith Carbines were specifically designed for use by cavalry and were issued to a number of Union mounted formations. The Smith Carbine was an efficient design for its time and proved a handy companion to the soldiers who carried it into battle.
The Smith Carbine’s manufacture was contracted out to three companies: American Machine Works (which made this specimen), Massachusetts Arms Co. and American Arms Co. all based in Massachusetts. A number of surplus guns were later sold on the commercial market after the war ended.
This specimen is a beautifully preserved example. The gun retains the vast majority of its original finish, strong mechanics, and surprisingly nice bore. Better still, ten rubber cartridge casings are included, which will allow the lucky winner to actually fire the rifle. This is a Civil War-era weapon system that will surely appeal to collectors of historical firearms. Good luck on your bid! – L.S.
