The vast majority of Smith carbines were purchased by the United States for use in the Civil War. This exceptionally early example is marked with the serial number "21" on the barrel and action and appears to be a civilian arm given that it has no visible inspection marks. The only marking there is the standard three line Mass. Arms Co. address. Smith carbines utilized gas sealing rubber cartridges and were considered to be accurate and reliable weapons by many of the cavalrymen they were issued to. It features a blade front sight and a combination notch and correct folding ladder rear sight without range markings. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip walnut stock with a steel carbine buttplate. It does not have a saddle ring bar on the left, and instead has a sling swivel on the barrel band and butt as is correct for the early carbines.

Good, incomplete, partially refinished. The carbine displays a primarily brown patina with some oxidation and traces of the original blue finish and case colors. The side plate is an old refinished replacement. The wood is fine with numerous light scratches and small marks. The forearm appears to be a replacement as the barrel band is spaces just ahead of the transition from octagon to round on the barrel. The remaining markings are mostly legible. The action is fine, but the hammer screw is absent.