Scarce, early production, Second Model Burnside Carbine manufactured by the Bristol Firearms Company of Bristol, Rhode Island. The carbine has a blued barrel and casehardened receiver, breech lever and buttplate. Second Model Burnside Carbines did not have a forearm. The barrel has a two-position rear sight and the left side of the receiver is fitted with a sling bar and ring. The walnut stock is fitted with a sling swivel. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped: "S/BURNSIDE'S/PATENT/MARCH 25th/1856." in five lines. The right side of the lock plate is marked: "BRISTOL FIREARM CO." and the right side of the breech block latch is marked: "G.P. FOSTER PAT/APRIL 10th 1860". The serial number, "421", is stamped on the top of the receiver and breech block. The Bristol Firearms Company manufactured about 2000 Second Model Burnside Carbines between 1860 and 1862. Some of these carbines were used by the 1st Rhode Island Infantry at the battle of Bull Run and the remainder were issued to Federal cavalry regiments including the 1st U.S. Cavalry. Nearly all of the Second Model Burnside Carbines saw Civil War service.

Good. This carbine clearly was issued and used in the Civil War. The barrel, receiver, hammer, lever and buttplate have a mottled gray-brown patina. The barrel and receiver and other components show traces of scattered light pitting. The stock shows moderate to heavy handling wear with scattered small dents and scratches. The receiver, lock plate and lever markings are clear. This is a completely original example of a rarely encountered, early production, Second Model, Burnside Carbine that clearly was issued and used in the Civil War.