The Ordnance Department purchased 43,000 5th Model Burnside Carbines during 1863-64 to arm cavalry units and they were generally considered to be among the most accurate and reliable of the Civil War breechloading carbines. The 5th Model Burnside breechloading cavalry carbine has the distinctive guide screw in the right side of the frame that distinguishes this variation from earlier models. It has a blued barrel and high polish blued lever with casehardened remaining parts, blade front and two leaf rear sights, straight grip walnut stock and forearm and a sling ring and bar attached to the left side of the frame. The top of the frame is marked: "BURNSIDE PATENT/MODEL OF 1864" in two-lines. The back action lock plate is marked "BURNSIDE RIFLE CO/PROVIDENCE R.I." The matching serial number is marked on the top of the frame and the breechblock. The top of the barrel is marked: "CAST STEEL 1864" (only the 1864 remains visible). The left side of the wrist is stamped with the two script cartouches.

Very good. The barrel has a mixture of the faded blue finish and brown patina. The lever retains 25% of the original high polish blue finish, and the remaining components have a mottled brown patina with traces of the case colors. There are several marks and dings from use throughout along with some areas of minor pitting. The wood is also very good with some chips and numerous scrapes. Mechanically fine with legible markings.