The Smith Carbine was manufactured by the American Machine Works of Springfield, Massachusetts from 1861 to 1865 and was one of the most important Federal Cavalry carbines manufactured. 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. 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". The left side of the barrel has a U.S. Government inspector's initials of "LFR" and a "W" at the rear of the lower tang. 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, and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel buttplate. There is an oval script "JH" cartouche on the left side of the stock wrist and a small "JH" on top of the stock directly ahead of the buttplate tang.

Excellent. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish mixed with smooth plum patina. The barrel latch retains 98% of the original bright blue finish with some minor spotting. The trigger guard retains 95% plus original bright blue finish with some minor wear and spotting. The buttplate and barrel band retains half of the blue mixed with a smooth brown patina, and the receiver retains 95% plus original bright vivid case colors. The wood is also excellent with some overall scattered minor pressure dings and crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional as issued Smith's Patent Civil War carbine.