Estimates vary on the total number of Perry breech loaders manufactured by the Perry Patent Arms Co. of Newark, New Jersey, around 1855-1857. All are estimate ranges are relatively small, and just 200-250 of these "long frame" Navy type carbines are believed to have been made. The Navy ordered 150 of these carbines in 1856 but only 50 were accepted after the inspectors rejected them twice. Another 200 were ordered by the Army with "short frames," but none are believed to have been manufactured. This one is in the Navy carbine configuration but has no visible government markings suggesting it was sold on the open market. It may have still been pushed into service during the Civil War as a private arm or with the arms purchased by the Union and C.S.A. in the rush to arm the troops. It has a blade front sight, notch rear sight, matching serial numbers at the breech, "A.D. PERRY/PATENTED" and "PERRY PATENT ARN [sic]/NEWARK N.J." on the breechblock, the matching serial number on the left side of the breech block and top of the lever, and smooth stock and forearm. The matching serial numbers are significant given serial numbering of surviving Perry carbines is inconsistent and many have mismatched numbers.

Fair with dark brown and gray patina and mild pitting throughout. The cap magazine tube is absent. The wood is very good with scattered scratches and dings, smooth oiled finish, and a few slight surface chips. Mechanically fine. This is solid representative example of a very rare early American breech loader missing from most advanced collections.