This is a beautiful example of the Civil War's third most-used carbine. This 5th model Burnside carbine is in outstanding condition, above average condition with beautiful, original finish remains on all metal parts. The receiver is retains a lot of its original color case hardening which has largely turned patina. The stamps on the lock are deep and legible and neither the lock nor the receiver have any rust or pitting. The numbers on the the block and receiver both match and both parts are in excellent condition with no rust or pitting. The barrel maintains its original blued finish as well, with just a little lights surface rust in some areas. The block and top strap are still maintain much of their vibrant nitre-blue colors.
The stocks are in beautiful shape with no cracks, chips, or major dents. An inspector's cartouche is still visible on the butt stock.
The bore is fair with strong rifling but some scattered pitting.
Naturally this carbine functions flawlessly. The block drops out with ease. The hammer holds beautifully on both full and half cock. The saddle bar is intact.
As an added bonus, this carbine serial number puts it squarely in the block of carbines which was was delivered to Company D of the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry in 1863. Even more exciting is that this carbine's serial number (13,026) is only one digit away from another I.D.d Company D gun (13,027) that was documented by Springfield Research Service. Often times a gun's number will be within in 10 or 15 numbers of another documented gun, and when this is the case, one really can't confidently make the claim that the gun was issued to that unit. But to have a gun's number be only one digit's difference combined with the fact that its number is well within the block of guns delivered to the 14th Pennsylvania makes us extremely confident that this is in fact a 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry gun.
This desirable and collectible carbine is a true investment piece. A beautiful, unmolested example of Civil War history!
