This is an example of a Burnside carbine as manufactured from 1863 to 1865. This later produced Model differs in that it has a guide screw in the center of the right side frame allowing smoother operation as the breech rides in a corresponding groove in the breech block. The barrel was blued and fitted with a two-leaf, folding rear sight graduated to 500 yards. The buttplate, receiver, hammer lever and barrel band were casehardened. The barrel tang, trigger guard, and breechblock had a high polish niter finish. The forend and stock are black walnut. The frame and lock plate have the standard two line Burnside marks including the 1856 patent date. There is a saddle ring bar and ring mounted on the left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel is stamped with a small "R" behind the rear sight. The serial number "5030" is located on the top of the frame and breechblock and there are small single letter inspection marks on most components.

Good. All metal surfaces have a mottled gray and brown with some minor pitting on the barrel, barrel band and saddle ring bar. The lock screw is a replacement. The moderately worn wood is fair. The right upper stock has a crude carving "DEE unreadable" and shows signs of sanding with a low area on the right side of the stock and forearm, overhang on the toe of the buttplate and scattered minor dents, dings and scratches. Clear markings. The action is fine.