(A) POULTNEY & TRIMBLE SMITH SINGLE SHOT CIVIL WAR CARBINE.

Commonly referred to as a Smith carbine as patented by Gilbert Smith on June 23, 1857 and manufactured at the American Machine Works in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Poultney & Trimble Baltimore, USA stamp represents the distributors. All of this information is stamped on the left side of the case color receiver. The blued barrel is octagon to round with a dovetailed silver blade front sight and displays a folding ladder rear. The left side of barrel breech reveals the LFR inspector stamp for Lafayette F. Rogers. Other features include the push up barrel release within the guard, a single barrel band, a fire blued latch connecting barrel to frame, saddle ring with bar, walnut stock with metal butt plate and matching forearm. Left side of stock displays two stamped inspector cartouches of JH (Joseph Hannis) and another LFR. This carbine saw wide usage with numerous cavalry units such as the 1st Massachusetts, 1st Connecticut, the 6th and 9th Ohio, the 7th and 17th Pennsylvania, the 7th and 11th Illinois and the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry, four of which fought at Gettysburg. CONDITION: Very good. The barrel now appears in a soft dulling blue patina. The frame still retains some readily visible case color with flashes of blue on true screws. The lower tang is missing one screw. The stock is problematic and needs attention. The wrist is cracked with multiple chips at frame but a good wood worker could really make this a nice piece. It is mechanically sound and tight with a very well defined bore showing nominal abrasion.

Name

Value

Barrel Length

21 - 1/2"

Caliber/Bore

.50 Rifled

FFL Status

Antique

Manufacturer

American Machine Works

Model

Smith Carbine