Major General Ambrose E. Burnside's ingenious breech loading carbine design was manufactured by the Bristol Firearms Co. and the Burnside Rifle Co. from 1857 to 1865. They were nearly all purchased by the U.S. government. The Burnside carbines were the third most widely used Union carbines during the war after only the Spencers and Sharps. Burnside served from the Mexican-American War through the Civil War and part of Reconstruction and was elected to be the first president of the National Rifle Association in 1871. Unfortunately for him, he was forced to sell his shares before the war and before the carbine design became profitable due to the cancellation of a large contract in the antebellum era that was apparently due to bribery and cronyism within the War Department. This carbine is in exceptional condition and is the "Model of 1864" or 5th Model variation widely used during the Civil War. This example has the standard 5th Model markings and features and is in exceptional condition for a weapon used during the war.

Very fine with 70% plus original, 80% vibrant case colors, 95% plus original niter blue on the breechblock and upper tang, 25% original niter blue on the remaining parts, and 40% of the fading original blue finish blended with smooth brown patina along the barrel. There are some minor patches of spotting and various small dings and scratches. The wood is also very fine and has strong oil finish, legible "RKW" cartouche, mild bruising and scrapes, and some slight chips and cracks at the edges. Mechanically excellent.