US Civil War Maynard 2nd Model Cavalry Carbine .50 Cal Percussion 20″ Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,276.00
LSB#: LSB251102TW012
Make: Mass Arms Co
Model: Maynard Carbine 2nd Model
Serial#: 16961
Year of Manufacture: 1863-1865, Antique
Caliber: .50 Maynard
Action Type: Breech loading Metallic cartridge, Percussion
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “GWS”. The left side of the frame is marked “Edward Maynard Patentee, May 27 1851, Dec 6 1859”. The right side of the frame is marked “Manufactured by Mass Arms Co, Chicopee Falls”. The serial number is marked on the lower tang. The inspector cartouches are visible.
Barrel Length: 20″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is 3 leaf folding V notch dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a one piece walnut, straight grip, straight comb, crescent buttplate. The LOP is 14 1/2″. The stock has had some lacquer applied to it at some point. There are scratches, compression dents, and some small chips throughout. There is minor oil darkening. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition for a refinished antique.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is defined. There is no notable erosion. There is minor corrosion typical of a black powder firearm. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 8/10 for a black powder antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its original finish. The barrel has scattered scratches, dings, and corrosion freckling throughout but the bluing has retained much of its color. The case hardening has lost its color and has been replaced with corrosion staining. Overall this rifle is in Very Good Condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Civil War era Maynard 2nd Model Carbine is a well preserved example of one of the most forward thinking cavalry arms fielded by Union forces during the war. Manufactured by Mass Arms Co. at Chicopee Falls between 1863 and 1865, the Maynard system stood apart from other breechloaders of the period through its use of reusable metallic cartridges ignited by a percussion cap. This design offered mounted troops a practical combination of rapid loading, mechanical simplicity, and reliability, and Maynard carbines saw documented service with several Union cavalry regiments throughout the conflict.
Chambered in .50 Maynard, this example retains the correct 20 inch barrel and standard military sight configuration, with a dovetailed blade front sight and a three leaf folding rear sight with V notches for graduated ranges. The breech loading action bears clear patent markings for Edward Maynard along with Mass Arms Co. manufacturing marks, reinforcing its Civil War provenance. The one piece walnut stock follows the proper straight grip and straight comb profile with a crescent buttplate, maintaining the compact and utilitarian form intended for mounted service.
Condition is notably strong for a Civil War antique. Approximately 65 percent of the original finish remains, with the barrel retaining much of its blued color despite scattered scratches, dings, and light corrosion freckling. The case hardened surfaces have largely transitioned to an even, aged patina. The bore is gray with well defined rifling, shows only minor black powder related corrosion, and rates 8 out of 10 for a black powder antique. The refinished stock exhibits handling wear, compression dents, small chips, and minor oil darkening, yet remains solid and visually consistent with a service used arm. Markings and inspector cartouches are visible, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger, and overall presentation rates very good for its age. This Maynard carbine from Mass Arms Co stands as an attractive and historically important example of a Union cavalry arm from the American Civil War. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF/MA
