This is an identified 5th Model Burnside carbine from the Civil War. The Burnside carbine was produced from 1857 through 1865, originally by the Bristol Firearms Co, and later by the Burnside Rifle Company. This weapon is a .54 caliber breechloading carbine that evolved through five different models. The first two models did not have forestocks, the following models all had walnut forestocks. The most distinguishable feature of the fifth model is the very noticeable guide screw in the center of the right frame. This screw allowed smoother operation of the breech as the screw rides in a corresponding curved groove in the breech block. This Burnside carbine is in good original condition. The 21" round barrel has a dark plum patina, matching all the other iron hardware. The exterior of the barrel is very lightly pitted along the entire length. There are two stamps near the breech, the letters G and P. The front sight is a pinched blade type, while the rear sight is a flip up short and long range type with a 3 and 5 stamped on them. The top of the barrel is stamped with CAST STEEL but is very faint. The bore is turning dark with light pitting along the entire length. The rifling is still very visible. The breech block and top of the frame are stamped with the serial number of 37829. The Burnside's Patent stamp is almost illegible, with only ENT and 856 being visible. The lockplate is stamped in two lines "BURNSIDE RIFLE Co./POVIDENCE-R.I.". This stamp is faint but completely legible. The breech has two stamps, both of them the letter H. The action works perfectly, the hammer holding at half and full cock. The breech opens and closes smoothly when the lever is actuated. The saddle bar and ring, butt plate and sling swivel complete the weapon. The walnut stock shows the normal wear encountered over 100 plus years of handling. The fore stock has a crack and a small sliver of wood loss. The stock has two cartouches, but they are well worn and I can't make out the letters. There are also the letters CZ stamped into the stock behind the trigger assembly tang. The cool thing about it, I can't tell you who's cartouches those are, but I can tell you who wore them out! This carbine was issued to William H. Helphenstine of Green County, Pennsylvania. It seems that William was a two time recruit, first as a musician in Company H, 123 Pennsylvania Infantry as a musician. When that enlistment was up he joined Company G of the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Ordnance reads show that this carbine was issued to Private Helphenstine. A complete folder of information compiled on the carbine and William Helpenstine, researched by the Horse Soldier, will accompany this weapon to the new owner. If you have a carbine collection, or a Pennsylvania collection this could very well be the cornerstone of your collection!

Item # AA1118

(Sold)