The Gallager carbine was designed by Dr. Mahlon J. Gallager, a Southerner by birth, and manufactured under license by Richardson & Overman in Philadelphia. The first two versions were widely used during the Civil War by the Union cavalry. This example is the early production variation marked only with "GALLAGER'S PATENT/JULY 17TH 1860/2721" 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 ring. Matching serial numbers are found on several components. A spare nipple is in the patch box.

Fine. The casehardened components retain 70% of the original case colors. There are some minor imperfections in the metal that may explain the lack of government markings. The barrel retains traces of original blue and primarily displays a mixture of gray and brown patina. The stock is also fine and has some minor dings and scrapes throughout. Mechanically excellent. The markings are crisp.