These "Fifth Model" Burnside carbines represent the completion of the evolution of General Ambrose Burnside's ingenious carbine design. Unfortunately for Burnside, he profited little, if at all, from his well-known design because he sold his shares before the company received sizable government contracts. The outbreak of the Civil War led to the purchase of over 50,000 Burnside carbines. They were the third most purchased breech loading carbine during the war, after only the Sharps and the Spencer. Matching serial number "161" marked on the frame, breech block and bottom of the barrel. Two crisp boxed script "JKL" and "GC" inspection cartouches stamped on the left wrist of the stock and small "W.W" inspection initials on bottom of the forearm and "G.C" ahead of the buttplate tang. A circle is carved in the left of the wrist.

Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue finish on the barrel with some scattered light freckling, 90% plus vibrant original case colors on the frame, hammer, lever latch and buttplate, 99% bright original niter blue finish on the breech block, 97% plus bright original niter blue finish on the lever and upper tang, and 85% plus original niter blue finish on the lower tang. Besides the crude period circular carving in the wrist, the wood is otherwise also excellent with attractive original raised grains, some scattered light dents and handling marks, a minor chip on the left edge of the forearm, distinct edges, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This excellent Civil War Burnside carbine appears to have seen little, if any, use at all and would make an excellent addition to any U.S. martial collection!