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 "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 brass 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. Casehardened hammer and action with a saddle ring and bar mounted on the left side of the frame with a smooth forearm and straight grip walnut stock with a steel buttplate. The left side of the barrel has a U.S. Government inspector's initials of "LFR" with a oval script "JH" cartouche on the left side of the stock wrist.

Excellent. The barrel retains 95% plus original blue finish with a small area on the right side that has been burnished bright, some wear on the muzzle, a small area of minor pitting on the left side and a small amount of minor spotting. The trigger guard retains 90% original bright blue finish with flaking, light spotting and a few minor scratches. The barrel latch retains almost all of the original bright niter blue finish with some scattered discoloration. The frame retains 80% of the original case colors with some smooth gray on the top. Minor pitting on the saddle ring and bar, and moderate pitting on the heel of the buttplate. The wood has been freshened and retains all of the finish and shows overall scattered minor dings and dents. There are a few minor chips and splintering at the toe and along the left edge at the buttplate. The cartouche is crisp and clear. The markings under the saddle ring bar are beginning to lighten slightly, otherwise the markings are clear. The action is excellent.