April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
A mere 1,052 Gibbs carbines were manufactured by William F. Brooks of New York City, 1863. The company had a contract for 10,000 weapons, but only 1,052 were made before the factory, the Phoenix Armory, was destroyed by fire during the New York Draft Riots of 1863. 500 Gibbs carbines were issued to the 10th Missouri Cavalry, as well issued to the 13th and 16th New York Cavalry. The first delivery of Gibbs carbines was in May of 1863, with production lasting less than three months. The lockplate was originally case hardened with a blued barrel, walnut stock, and sling ring mounted on left side. The 13th New York were originally in charge of defense of the capitol in Washington. The 16th New York Cavalry participated in the Gettysburg Campaign. On June 10th, 1864 the 10th Missouri Cavalry were part of the force that arrived Brice's Crossroads in Mississippi when they were attacked by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, and succeeded in rerouting the 3,200 Cavalrymen that fought at Brice's Crossroads. This was Forrest's greatest victory of the war. The 10th Missouri fought against Forrest again in July of that same year. The Gibbs stayed in service with that division throughout the war. Given the short production and the numerous battles, finding all original existing Gibbs carbines is extremely difficult. Top of the frame is stamped "L.H. GIBBS PATD JANY 8 1856". This sideplate is stamped "WM F BROOKS MANFR NEW YORK". Buttplate is stamped "US". Left side of barrel has inspector stamp of "B". Left side of rear sight also stamped with "B". Front sight is German nickel dovetailed blade, rear sight is two leaf folding. Single barrel band. Saddle ring and bar on left side. Lever has a small loop and when pushed forward, the barrel moves forward and tips up for loading. Stock is walnut. No visible cartouches remaining. CONDITION: All metal is a soft grey-brown patina with light age freckling. Stock is excellent. Fine action. Well defined rifled bore with light abrasion.
Caliber/Bore
.52 Percussion