The Gallager carbine was designed by Dr. Mahlon J. Gallager, a Southerner by birth. More than 23,000 were manufactured under license by Richardson & Overman in Philadelphia. Most were issued to Union cavalry units. They received mixed reviews despite their sturdy build due to extraction issues. This example is the early production percussion variation marked with only "GALLAGER'S PATENT/JULY 17TH 1860/1163" on the lock. It has a "pinched" blade front sight, notch and folding leaf rear sight, and a smooth stock with blued patch box, saddle ring bar, and saddle ring. Matching serial numbers are found on several components. A spare nipple is in the patch box.

Very good plus with mostly a blended gray and brown patina overall and some patches of oxidation. The case colors and original blue finish are strong in the protected areas such as under the bolster and between the rear sight and breech. The stock is fine and has an attractive "dark oil" finish, some light scratches and dings, and some slight chips near the buttplate. The wood to metal fit is fine. Mechanically fine. This is a solid representative example of the early version of the important Gallager Civil War carbine.