U.S. Civil War M1864 5th Model Burnside Carbine .54 Cal Percussion Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB250807JA001
Make: Burnside Rifle Co.
Model: 1864 5th Model Burnside Carbine
Serial Number: 1315
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” followed by the serial number, “1315”. There are “W” proof stamps throughout. The side of the lock is marked, “THE BURNSIDE RIFLE Co. PROVIDENCE RI. All serialized parts are matched. The stock cartouches are severely faded.
Barrel Length: 20”
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. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There is a large crack through the wrist and several small chips throughout. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates at about Good overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: In The White, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate to heavy erosion in the bore with spots of pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its metal finish. There is heavy patina and wear marks throughout. The frame retains none of its case color. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp with some damaged ones. The pins have light marring. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair 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 is a U.S. Civil War-era 5th Model Burnside Carbine, manufactured in early 1864 by the Burnside Rifle Company of Providence, Rhode Island. The Burnside carbine was one of the most widely used Union cavalry firearms of the war, prized for its innovative breech-loading design and reliability in the field. Over 55,000 of the 5th Model were delivered between 1863 and 1865, and this example—serial number 1315—is an early 5th Model, produced during the height of wartime demand. These carbines were chambered in .54 Burnside, a unique, rimless, conical brass cartridge designed to reduce gas blowback and improve sealing in the breech. This rifle bears all the hallmarks of field use and wartime service. The metal surfaces have aged to a uniform patina with no remaining case color or original finish. There is wear, scattered pitting, and some minor marring on the screws and pins. The bore is gray with pronounced rifling and rates about 7.5/10 for an antique percussion carbine, with the expected erosion from black powder use. The stock shows honest wear, with scratches, dents, chips, and a significant crack through the wrist, though it remains structurally intact overall. Faint remnants of the original inspector cartouches are present but worn.
Mechanically, the action still functions as intended, with the distinctive Foster patent lever operating the falling block breech—a forward-thinking design for its time. With all major components serial-matched and clear receiver markings, this 5th Model Burnside remains a historically important and collectible piece of Union cavalry armament. Ideal for Civil War collectors, early American breechloader enthusiasts, or historical display, this carbine is a tangible survivor from the most pivotal conflict in U.S. history. -R.E.
