Also known as the "Thunderbolt", this carbine was invented and patented by Charles and Sebre Howard circa 1862-1866 and was manufactured from 1866 to 1870 with a total production of less than 200 of these carbines, (less than 2,000 rifles, shotguns and carbines combined). The left side of the barrel is marked "CHARLES HOWARD'S PATENTS OF SEPT. 26. AND OCT. 10. 1865 AND MAY.15. 1866" and the right side "WHITNEY-ARMS-CO-WHITNEYVILLE-CONN". Blade front and single leaf folding rear sights and mounted with a varnished black walnut stock with crescent buttplate and toe extension. The carbine was rejected for military contracts and after learning that the weak locking mechanism would occasionally blow open, Whitney stopped production and sent all parts for the guns back to the Howard Brothers in Detroit, Michigan.

Fine. The carbine retains 40% original blue finish mixed with a dark patina with minor oxidation. With the exception of a 3" hairline crack on the upper right wrist, the wood is very fine with minor scratches and dings. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.