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 numbers on the frame and breech block. Two crisp boxed script inspection cartouches stamped on the left wrist of the stock and small "J.M.W" inspection initials on bottom of the forearm and "J.H." ahead of the buttplate tang.

Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus original blue finish on the barrel with some corrosion visible around the muzzle, 90% plus vibrant original case colors on the frame, hammer, lever latch and buttplate, 97% bright original niter blue finish on the upper tang and breech block, and 85% plus bright original niter blue finish on the lever and lower tang, with a few scattered areas of freckling. The wood is very fine with attractive original raised grain and rich oil finish, a few dents and handling marks, distinct edges, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This Civil War Burnside carbine appears to have seen little, if any, use at all and would make a fine addition to any Civil War firearms collection!