This is a representative example of a rare Civil War carbine that was manufactured by the Cosmopolitan Arms Company of Hamilton, Ohio. The company was owned by E. Gwyn and A.C. Campbell. These carbines were the predecessor of the Gwyn & Campbell "Grape Vine" carbine. Manufactured from 1859 to 1862. These carbines were issued to the 5th and a majority to the 6th Illinois Cavalry and were carried by the 6th Cavalry on the famous "Grierson's Raid", April-May of 1863, through Mississippi to divert Confederate attention away from Grant's Vicksburg campaign. This carbine is one of 1,140 "Contract Type" carbines contracted to the State of Illinois. The carbine has the distinctive large rounded hammer and serpentine lever. The lock behind the hammer is marked "COSMOPOLITAN ARMS CO." in an arc above "HAMILTON O. U.S./GROSS' PATENT/1859". The matching serial number appears on the bottom of the barrel, the lever, breechblock and loading gate, with the assembly number "91" on the barrel, frame, breechblock and loading gate. Dovetailed pinched blade front sight and adjustable folding rear sight graduated to 900 yards, with a 1,000 yard notch on the top. Mounted with a straight grip stock with an iron buttplate.

Period refinished. The metal surfaces have a smooth, even, dark brown patina with some minor pitting on the right front of the receiver. The stock has been refinished and remains good with a small chip behind the lock. The lock marking is faint. Mechanically fine.