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. 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. This example has standard markings and features including "L.F.R." on the left of the barrel and "JH" cartouche on the left of the wrist.

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish and 80% of the original fiery case colors with the balance mostly a grey-brown patina. The wood is very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. An exceptionally fine example of a highly desirable U.S. Civil War cavalry carbine!