Manufactured by American Machine Works, Springfield, Massachusetts and was one of the most important Federal Cavalry carbines. Designed by Gilbert Smith, the production of this breech loading percussion carbine was almost entirely consumed by government contracts with limited numbers going to the civilian market. A total of 30,362 Smith carbines were purchased by the United States during the Civil War. Smith carbines were considered to be accurate and reliable weapons. Standard three sets of markings on the left side of the frame "MANUFACTURED BY/AM'N MCH'N. WRKS/SPRINGFIELD. MASS", agents' names "ADDRESS/POULTNEY & TRIMBLE/BALTIMORE U.S.A." and "SMITH'S PATENT/JUNE 23, 1857". Matching serial number on the receiver and barrel. The left barrel flat is marked with "L.F.R." There is a small single letter inspection mark on some of the parts. Dovetail brass blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight correctly absent of yard markings. Blue barrel and trigger guard, niter blue barrel latch and casehardened remaining parts. Saddle ring and bar mounted on the left side of the receiver. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip walnut stock with a steel carbine buttplate. There is a sharp "JH" oval cartouche and a boxed L.F.R." cartouche on the left wrist.

Very fine. The barrel retains 70% plus of the thinning original blue finish with a few small areas pin prink type pitting. 90% of the original bright niter blue finish remains on the barrel latch. 70% original blue finish remains on the trigger guard and lower tang. 75% original case colors remain on the hammer and receiver. The buttplate has a dark brown patina. The wood is also very fine with some small chips on the toe of the stock and overall some scattered minor dents and dings. The markings and cartouches are sharp. Mechanically excellent.