The Palmer carbine holds the distinction of being the first metallic cartridge bolt action firearm ever adopted by the U.S. Army and among the first bolt action firearms accepted by any military. The bolt does not contain a firing pin and is simply used to seat the cartridge and seal the breech. It fires with a traditional side lock with the hammer used for cartridge ignition. Only 1,001 of these carbines are estimated to have been manufactured, all in 1865 on contract for the Union Army. They were delivered too late to see action in the Civil War. It has the standard markings and features.

Very good plus with mostly gray patina, some thin original blue at the breech section, strong traces of original case colors on the attractively silvered out lock plate assembly, and general minor scattered marks. The stock is fine, a legible "MM" cartouche, a label on the right, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent.