The Smith carbine was designed by Dr. Gilbert Smith of Buttermilk Falls, New York, in the late 1850s and was manufactured by the American Machine Works, Massachusetts Arms Company, and American Arms Company in Massachusetts from 1861 to 1865. Poultney & Trimble served as Gilbert Smith's agents. A total of 30,362 Smith carbines were purchased by the United States during the Civil War. The special rubber cased ammunition proved difficult to supply, but the design itself was popular. These carbines are known to have been used by the Fenians and sportsmen when they were sold as surplus after the war. This American Machine Works carbine has the standard three sets of markings on the left side of the frame and has the standard German silver blade front sight and notch and folding ladder rear sight. The stock has "JH" and "LFR" cartouches on the left, and the barrel has an "L.F.R" inspection mark on the left at the breech.

Very fine with 80% original blue finish, 70% original case colors, mostly smooth brown patina on the balance, some dings concentrated around the lower screw on the right side of the action at the breech, light scratches and marks throughout, and generally minor age and storage related wear. The wood is also very fine and has mild scratches and marks, some small dings, and distinct cartouches. Mechanically fine.