The Smith Carbine was manufactured by the American Machine Works of Springfield, Massachusetts, from 1861 to 1865 and was one of the most important cavalry carbines manufactured during the Civil War. Designed by Gilbert Smith, the production of this breech loading percussion carbine was almost entirely consumed by government contracts. A total of 30,362 Smith Carbines were purchased for the United States during the Civil War and the servicemen considered them to be accurate and reliable weapons. The example has the standard three sets of markings for Smith, the American Machine Works, and Poultney & Trimble on the left side of the frame. The barrel has a U.S. Government inspector's initials of "LFR" on the lower left side and is fitted with German silver blade front and folding ladder rear sights. The breech loading action opens via a button inside the trigger guard that frees the barrel to pivot downward for quick reloading. It has a casehardened hammer and action with a saddle ring and bar mounted on the left side and is 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. There is a more recent small "95" marking on the left side of the butt. The matching serial number is marked on the barrel and frame at the hinge.

Fine. 40% of the thinned original blue finish remains with some brown patina forming along with just over half of the fiery case colors on the action; the protected areas are especially rich. There are several small nicks, areas of light pitting, and some minor scratches. The refinished and repaired wood is fine with a several dings, some small scrapes, and some cracks in the forearm . The barrel band screw is absent. Mechanically excellent with clear markings.