The State Military Works in Greenville, South Carolina, manufactured approximately 1,000 of these brass frame, breech loading carbines during the Civil War. Invented by George W. Morse, most of the Morse carbines were issued to the South Carolina Militia; limited numbers of the carbines were issued to other Confederate forces. These carbines were manufactured on machinery which had been captured by the Confederates from the Harpers Ferry Armory. The carbine is chambered in .50 caliber, and it is loaded by raising the breechblock upward. The carbine correctly lacks maker markings. Only very late production examples have been found with maker markings other than the serial number. The serial number is marked on the underside of the frame and breech cover. The 20 inch, part octagon barrel is fitted with fixed blade front and notch rear sights. The breech cover has an iron latch featuring finger serrations. Mounted on a smooth butternut forearm and straight grip stock.

Fine, way above other examples, showing wear associated with legitimate Confederate Civil War firearms. The barrel has a mottled brown-gray patina mixed with some moderate spotting. The brass has a mixed aged patina. The revarnished wood is also fine with a stabilized crack in the wrist, a crack near the buttplate and some minor handling evidence. The cleaning rod, cleaning rod friction fitted accessory, and forearm tip are absent. Mechanically excellent. This rare Confederate Morse carbine will make a great addition to any Civil War collection.