The Palmer carbine holds the distinction of being the first metallic cartridge bolt action firearm ever adopted by the U.S. Ordnance Department. The bolt does not contain a firing pin and is simply used to seat the cartridge and seal the breech. It fires with a traditional side lock. Approximately 1,001 of these carbines were ordered on contract by the U.S. government late in the Civil War but were delivered too late to see action. It has small "M.M" (Miles Moulton) inspection initials on the left of the breech, left stock flat, and ahead of the buttplate tang and a circled script "MM" inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat.

Excellent, retains 99% original plum blue finish on the barrel with a few minor handling marks. 95% plus vibrant original case colors remain on the lock and hammer, with strong case colors visible on the bolt handle, trigger guard, and buttplate with some areas of fading. Some patches of light pitting visible on the lower tang. The stock is also excellent with attractive original raised grain, defined edges, a few minor dents, and exceptionally crisp cartouche and stampings. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional example of a scarce Civil War era Palmer carbine, a significant piece in the development of military arms as well as firearms in general, would make an excellent addition to any U.S. martial collection!