The included copy of a Springfield Research Service letter from 2006 states that this carbine is listed in the Army Adjutant General's office records as issued to Sergeant Raymond Morse in Co. G of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, better known as the "Rough Riders." They were led by one of our nation's most beloved presidents: Theodore Roosevelt. It was Roosevelt who ensured his men were properly armed with Krag carbines and Colt revolvers. As a volunteer unit it was likely the Army would have pushed them into battle with outdated Springfield trapdoor carbines or rifles. The same guns partially blamed for the massacre of Custer's men. During the Spanish-American War, the Rough Riders were influential in the American victories at Las Guasimas, San Juan Hill, and Santiago. Aside from their heroic actions, the Rough Riders are also remembered because they were a volunteer group drawn from various backgrounds. There were Native Americans, college athletes, cowboys, miners, hunters, and even Ivy League educated gentlemen from the East. The letter and included National Archive document copies indicate Morse was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was a bricklayer prior to enlisting. He obviously impressed the unit's officers given he was mustered in with the rank of sergeant. He was a little shorter than average for the period at 5 foot 4 3/4 inches tall, had a "florid complexion," blue eyes, and brown hair. He was single and had no next of kin. He was "more or less sick" for much of his service but does not appear to have been absent. Morse was also issued Colt Single Action Army number 2202. Other source indicate he lived in California after the Spanish-American War. The 1930 census records indicate he was living in the National Home in Los Angeles County. He died on January 30, 1932. The carbine has a blade front sight with removable hood, a correct "C" marked folding ladder rear sight, "U.S./1895 SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 27694" on the left side of the receiver, large "W. S." on the left side of the wrist behind the saddle ring and bar, a script "P" behind the trigger guard, a rough "R" slightly further back, and a trapdoor in the stock with the three piece cleaning rod.

Very good. The finish on the barrel has faded to a plum brown, and the casehardened receiver has mostly a dark silver gray patina. The replaced correct barrel band and trigger guard have strong original blue finish. The stock is good. There are various scrapes, dings, chips, and marks as well as a few minor hairline cracks from use in battle. A gouge behind the "R" on the stock may have obliterated another letter. The action functions fine, and the markings are crisp. This is a very rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Rough Rider carbine backed by a Springfield Research Service Letter that confirms this carbine was used by Sergeant Raymond Morse during the Spanish-American War.