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. 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. Standard markings on the left side of the frame, "MANUFACTURED BY / AM'N M'CH'N. WKS / SPRINGFIELD MASS", (faint), agents' names "ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMBLE / BALTIMORE U.S.A." and "SMITH'S PATENT / JUNE 23, 1857". 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 rear barrel flat has the U.S. Government inspector's initials of "LFR" with a "JH" oval script cartouche on the left side of the stock wrist.

Very good. The barrel retains 75% original blue finish with some minor muzzle wear, some loss of finish near the muzzle. Most of the original bright blue finish remains on the barrel latch with some light spotting. The frame retains 25% original bright case colors, with most of the original casehardening pattern on top and the balance having a smooth mottled brown patina. The wood has been freshened with a light coat of varnish and remains very fine with a few minor dings and dents. Unless noted above, the markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.