May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Manufactured from 1861 to 1865 for agents Poultney and Trimble of Baltimore, Maryland by the Massachusetts Arms Co., the Smith carbine saw significant use in the Civil War. This historic example is inscribed on the top of the receiver in Old English script to "Marcellus Hartley / S. H. & G.", notable arms and surplus dealer of Schuyler, Hartley, & Graham fame. By 1864, surplus production of Smith carbines and ammunition were made available in the Schuyler, Hartley, & Graham catalog. Marcellus Hartley also organized the purchase of 7,995 of the carbines as government surplus in 1901 for resale. It is very possible this carbine bearing Marcellus Hartley's inscription was presented to him or was acquired as a souvenir from one of these business ventures. The carbine remains in otherwise standard configuration. The blued half-octagon barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and ladder rear. Characteristic agent and manufacturer stampings present on the case-hardened breech-loading percussion lock receiver. Walnut stocks are of nicer figure than usually encountered, mounted with early style sling swivel barrel band and plain steel butt plate. No martial inspector markings visible. CONDITION: Fine. Barrel retains the vast majority of its fading original rust blue. Case hardened components have faded to a silvery gray patina. Stocks are likewise very fine with mild impressions throughout and a coat of varnish. Bore displays sharp rifling throughout with some light areas of cleaned oxidation. Fine mechanics. A fantastic piece of Civil War surplus history!
Caliber/Bore
.50 Percussion
Manufacturer
Mass. Arms Co.