Designed by Gilbert Smith, the production of this breech loading percussion carbine was almost entirely consumed by government contracts, with limited numbers going to the civilian market. The Smith Carbine was manufactured by the American Machine Works of Springfield, Massachusetts and was one of the most important Federal Cavalry carbines. A total of 30,362 Smith Carbines were purchased by the United States during the Civil War. Smith Carbines were considered to be accurate and reliable weapons. Standard three sets of markings on the left side of the frame; a very faint "MANUFACTURED BY / AM'N M'CH'N. WKS / SPRINGFIELD MASS", agents' names "ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMBLE / BALTIMORE U.S.A." and "SMITH'S PATENT / JUNE 23, 1857". Dovetail blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight absent of yard markings. Breech loading action with barrel release latch inside the trigger guard, freeing the barrel to pivot downward. Matching serial number on barrel and frame. Casehardened hammer and action with a saddle ring and bar mounted on the left side of the frame. Smooth forearm and straight grip walnut stock with a steel buttplate. The left side of the barrel is marked "LTR" with a boxed "LFR" cartouche and an oval script "JH" cartouche on the left side of the stock wrist behind the sling bar.

Excellent. The barrel retains approximately 85% plus faded original blue with some light spotting and a protective coating of grease. The action and hammer retain 95% case colors especially in the protected areas with a protective coating of grease. The stock is excellent with some scattered minor dings and scratches. The cartouches are clear and crisp. Mechanically excellent.