Approximately 10,500 of these "side lever" Hall Model 1843 carbines were manufactured by Simeon North in 1844-1853. The 1st and 2nd U.S. Dragoons were among the units issued these carbines during the Mexican-American War, and more than half are believed to have been rifled for use in the Civil War, making original smoothbore examples like this scarce, let alone in this high state of condition! Its western heritage certainly adds to its interest. It has a blade front and V notch rear sight. "U.S./S. NORTH/MIDLtn/CONN./1847" marked breech block. "JH" (Joseph Hannis) inspection initials marked on the left of the breech, boxed script "GWH" (George W. Hamlin) inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat, and oval script "W.A.T" (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouche stamped on the right stock flat. Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection

Excellent plus, nearly as issued. Retains 99% lustrous original brown finish, 98% vibrant original case colors on the breech block, 98% original bright niter blue finish on the lever, with a few minor handling marks, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is also excellent plus with attractive original raised grains and rich oil finish, some of the most well-defined edges ever seen on a Hall carbine, a few minor handling marks, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This outstanding example of a Hall Model 1843 carbine is one of the finest examples Rock Island Auction Company has cataloged, extremely difficult to improve upon, and would make an excellent addition to any U.S. martial arms collection!