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 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.

Very fine. The barrel retains 90% original blue finish with some mild thinning and a few minor dings. The trigger guard retains 70% original blue finish with some thinning to a smooth gray patina. 98% original blue finish remains on the barrel latch showing some light spotting. The frame retains 60% original case colors. There are vivid case colors on the protected area of the hammer with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The wood is also excellent with some minor dents and dings and a sharp cartouche. The buttplate and barrel band have a smooth gray patina. The barrel release is frozen, otherwise the action works fine. The markings remain crisp.