Just over 30,000 carbines based on Dr. Gilbert Smith's 1857 patented break action design were manufactured during the Civil War by the Mass. Arms Co., American Machine Works, and American Arms Co., all based in Massachusetts. Nearly all of the carbines manufactured were issued to several Union cavalry units. This example has the standard German silver blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight without range markings, three sets of markings on the left side of the action, matching serial numbers on the bottom of the hinge, "JH" on the left barrel flat at the breech and clear "JH" and LHR" cartouches on the left side of the stock wrist.

Very fine. The carbine retains 75% plus original blue finish showing some thinning to a brown. The frame retains 90% original case colors. The buttplate and barrel band have a mottled brown patina, and the hammer has a smooth brown patina. The wood is also very fine with a gouge visible on the right side of forearm, some minor chipping near the toe and some scattered minor pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent.