Fresh into the shop from the Gettysburg show, a Model 1842 Austrian Cavalry Carbine. This little cavalry gun is one of the most interesting of the European imports. It has one of the shortest barrels out there at 14.5". Yet it is has on the of the largest bores, cavalry or infantry, being a .71 caliber rifled bore. The smooth bore carbines were even larger at .75 caliber. These weapons were imported by both the Union and Confederate governments for use at the beginning of the Civil War. The carbines were originally of the "tubelock" design, but were converted to percussion after 1854. The barrel on this one is 14 1/2" long, with the overall length of the gun being 30". The bore has 12 lands and groves and is free of pitting or rust. It is retained to the stock by a single barrel band and a screw at the barrel tang. The barrel, as all the other metal on the carbine, has the same "National Bright Finish" as found on some Springfield rifle muskets. The majority of the barrel, barrel band and ram rod retain the bright finish. The barrel tang and barrel near the bolster have taken on a dark brown appearance. The number 122 is stamped on the rounded part of the barrel 1 1/2" from the breech. The lock plate is unmarked and has the same dark patina as the breach behind the hammer. The same can be said of the trigger guard. The sling bar has taken the dark patina on all but the last 1/2". The double saddle rings retain most of the original bright finish. The iron butt plate is almost completely a dark brown, with just a bit of the original finish showing through. The one piece stock has a 1 1/4" sliver of wood missing on the left side just forward of the saddle bar. The forehand has a 1" crack on the very bottom where the ram rod enters. The stock is an overall dark chocolate color, lighter in color where expected handling occurs. The rear sight aligns perfectly with the blade type front sight. Whether you collect Union or Confederate items, this one could be for you. There are no identifying marks to say whether it was used by the Boys in Blue, or them Johnny Rebs. There is plenty of documentation that both sides used them. This is an honest example of one that mostly certainly saw the Elephant, and it's priced to join your collection!

Item # AA743

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