The Burnside carbines were based on designs by General Ambrose Burnside, famous as the namesake of sideburns. His carbine bested seventeen other designs in the 1857 trials at West Point and was selected as suitable for rearming the U.S. cavalry. Unfortunately for Burnside, the contract was broken due to allegedly corrupt officials, and he was forced to sell his assets, including his patents, before the carbines turned a profit. This led to him working with General George McClellan at the Illinois Central Railroad in the late 1850s (Lincoln was on their legal team) and thus helped ensure he participated as a Union general during the war. Over 55,000 Burnside carbines were ordered for use in the Civil War, and they became the third most widely issued Union carbines and saw action in every theater. This example is a 5th Model and has the distinctive guide screw in the right side of the frame that helps keep the breechblock properly aligned. It also features a "pinched" blade front sight, two leaf rear sight (graduated for 100, 300, and 500 yards), "BURNSIDE PATENT/MODEL OF 1864" on top of the action ahead of the matching serial numbers on the action and breechblock, small sub-inspection marks, and a smooth, oil finished, straight grain walnut stock with distinct "EPR" and "RKW" cartouches.

Excellent, as issued. 95% plus of the original blue finish remains on the barrel, and 90% of the bright, original niter blue remains on the breechblock and lever. It retains 97% plus of the original casehardened finish; it is a mix of vibrant case colors and smooth brown. The balance has brown patina and some slight oxidation. The wood is excellent with distinct cartouches, some small scratches, and a series of small storage indentations visible on the left side of the buttstock. Mechanically excellent. This is an outstanding example of a Burnside carbine.