A total of 30,362 Smith carbines were purchased by the U.S. during the Civil War. Smith carbines utilized gas sealing India rubber cartridges and were considered to be accurate and reliable weapons by many of the cavalrymen they were issued to, especially early on. They were easy to load on horseback, simple to operate and clean, accurate, and reliable. Unfortunately, the Ordnance Department stopped supplying the India rubber cartridges and switched to less expensive foil cartridges to save funds leading to negative reviews of the Smith in the later years of the war. Since they were no longer as well received by the troops and used proprietary ammunition, many of these carbines were sold on the open market after the war and were used for hunting and defense throughout the country. Some were used by the Fenians during their failed raids into Canada, and Henry Wheeler killed Clell Miller of the James-Younger Gang during the defense of the First National Bank of Northfield, Minnesota, on September 7, 1876, with a Smith. He also wounded at least one other member of the gang during the fight. None of the gang escaped unscathed. Most of the gang was captured by the Minnesota posse and many suffered further wounds. This standard Cavalry Model has the three sets of Massachusetts Arms, Smith patent, and Poultney & Trimble markings on the left side of the frame. The matching serial number is on the receiver and barrel at the hinge. It features a German silver blade front sight and a combination notch and folding ladder rear sight without range markings. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip walnut stock with a steel carbine buttplate and saddle ring. There is a faint cartouche on the left wrist.

Very fine. 80% plus of the original blue finish and 85% plus original case colors remain. There is some minor oil staining and scattered marks and scratches. The reoiled wood is also fine and has only minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent and has mostly crisp markings.