A total of 6,500 Lindner carbines were manufactured in two variations in 1861 to 1864. They were designed by Edward Lindner of Manchester, New Hampshire, and all are believed to have been manufactured at Amoskeag Mfg. Co. Only 892 of these first type carbines were manufactured and accepted for use by the Union. 391 were issued to the 1st Michigan Cavalry, and 501 were issued to the 8th West Virginia Mounted Infantry. The 1st Michigan Cavalry was part of the famous Michigan Brigade and was led by Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer for part of the war. They fought at the 2nd Bull Run, Gettysburg, and several other battles. The 8th West Virginia was also at 2nd Bull Run as well as several smaller engagements. The carbine has a rotating collar on the breech that when turned to the left allows the breechblock to raise up so that it can be loaded from the front. The only marking is "EDWARD LINDNER'S/PATENT/MARCH 29, 1859." and a faint inspectors initials on the left flat and sharp oval cartouche present on top of rear buttstock. It has a blade front sight and two leaf rear sight. A saddle ring is mounted to the left stock flat.

Good. The breech section is brighter than the other components, but most of the carbine has a mottled gray patina with extensive mild pitting. The stock is also good and has scattered minor pressure marks and scratches consistent with use in battle. The action functions very well, and the breech markings are crisp. This is a solid representative example of a scarce Civil War carbine that may have been used by one of Custer's men at Bull Run and Gettysburg.