Only approximately 5,000 First Model Maynard carbines were manufactured c. 1858-1861. This carbine has the correct first model two-line markings of "MAYNARD ARMS CO./WASHINGTON." on the right side of the action and the three-line Massachusetts Arms Co. Chicopee Falls address on the left. The patchbox has "MAYNARD PATENTEE/SEP 22. 1845./MAY 27. 1851./JUNE 17. 1856." on the lid. Multiple Confederate states are known to have had contracts for Maynard rifles and carbines in both .35 and .50 caliber including Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia. For example, in early 1861, Jefferson Davis and J. Thompson entered into agreements for Maynard arms and ammunition that included 325 carbines and 175 rifles in .50 caliber and 300 carbines in .35 caliber along with one thousand rounds of ammunition for each gun. The Confederate soldiers are said to have been particularly fond of the Maynard carbines and rifles due in part to the fact that the brass cases could be reloaded upwards of 100 times. See "The Maynard Rifle and Carbine in the Confederate Service" by Madaus in the American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin 52 for more details. The carbine is equipped with a fixed German silver blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight, peep sight, and sling ring and is marked with number "4203" on the underside of the primer door and "4311" on the underside barrel placing this example in the latter part of the First Model range. The highest number noted by Madaus is 4960, and he theorized "arms within the serial range from approximately 1800 through 4100 (give or take 200) should be in the range that saw Confederate service.

Good with brown patina overall, minor oxidation/pitting, and mild wear. The stock is very good and has a period carved "R" on the right side and some minor dents and scratches. Mechanically fine. Overall, an attractive and desirable First Model Maynard.