5th Model Burnside Carbine
Item #: AA4072
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This is a 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 fore stocks, the following models all had walnut fore stocks. 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 still exhibits some of the original bright finish showing through a plum brown patina. The exterior of the barrel is not pitted and exhibits a smooth appearance. The sub inspector stamp of W is found between the breech and rear sight. 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 left side of the rear sight is stamped with the sub inspector stamp of H. The top of the barrel is stamped with CAST STEEL 1864, but is barely legible. The bore is turning dark but the rifling is still very visible. The breech block and top of the frame are stamped with the serial number of 14007, again barely legible. The BURNSIDE'S PATENT/MODEL OF 1864 stamp is almost illegible as well. The lockplate is stamped in two lines "BURNSIDE RIFLE Co./POVIDENCE-R.I.". This stamp is faint and also illegible. The breech release lever has the sub inspector stamp of H. The action works, but is pretty weak, 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 160 plus years of handling. The fore stock is free of cracks and wood loss. The stock has two cartouches, both of them rectangular. One has the letters RHKW, the other is well worn and I can't make out the letters. If you have a carbine collection this one will fit right in.
(Sold)