April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Made by American Machine Works in Springfield Massachusetts from 1861-1865. One of the top produced and used weapons of the Civil War. Features octagon to round blued barrel, dovetail front sight with German nickel blade, folding military ladder sight, break open percussion action, fire blued barrel lock on top, saddle ring and stud, single barrel band, walnut stocks, and carbine butt. Left side of stock has two brilliant and near mint cartouche stamps. One closest to frame is "LFR" for Lafayette F. Rogers. Accompanying Rogers stamp is "JH" in an oval for Joseph Hannis. Both men were noted inspectors of the Smith carbine. Given to the large numbere of Smith carbines manufactured they saw extended service through the war and participated in many battles and skirmishes. There is another "LFR" on left side of barrel. Left side of frame stamped "(Address) / Poultney & Trimble / Baltimore USA / Smith's Patent". First deliveries were in January of 1862, early in the war. These carbines were carried by the 10th Cavalry during the Second Battle of Bull Run. Union cavalry arrived at Antietam on the 15th of September, many carrying the Smith Carbine. First Massachusetts Company G were on hand in early October of 1862 for J.E.B. Stewart's famous ride around McClellan. In September of 1863, during the Chickamauga Campaign, both the 2nd and 4th Indiana took part wielding Smith carbines. They were also involved in the chase of General Joe Wheeler and the Battle of Gettysburg, where two cavalry regiments were armed with Smith Carbines, 10th New York and 1st West Virginia. The 10th had 93 carbines while the 1st had 81. Countless more battles involved the Smith carbine till war's end. CONDITION: It is quite obvious from condition that this particular weapon was not present at Gettysburg as it retains 98% blue on barrel with some patina showing through. 95% nitre blue on barrel latch. 40% case colors on left side of frame. 85% case colors on right side of frame and hammer. 90% brilliant nitre blue on trigger guard and lower tang. Even the screws have generous amounts of nitre blue. Stocks are near mint with a couple of minor impressions. Buttplate is basically patina. Mirror bore. An outstanding carbine in all respects and one of the most recognizable Civil War weapons.
Serial Number
8086 / 9808.