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. The Smith was one of the more widely issued cavalry carbines used during the war and were issued to units operating in both theaters of the war including, the 1st Connecticut, 11th Illinois, 1st Massachusetts, 10th New York, 6th and 9th Ohio, 7th and 17th Pennsylvania, 3rd West Virginia, and 1st Alabama (Union) cavalry regiments. Smaller quantities of the carbines were also sold commercially including through Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, and they were sold as surplus following the war leading some to have second lives abroad or in the West. Confederate forces are known to have captured and used Smiths as well. 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 a "JH" cartouche on the left, and the barrel has an "L.F.R" inspection mark on the left at the breech.

Excellent with 90% plus original blue on the barrel and trigger guard, 95% casehardened finish on the action aside from the buttplate which has turned an even brown patina and has some noticeable light pitting. The wood is very fine and has smooth oiled finish, some flaking along the toe, and a few minor dings and scuffs. Mechanically excellent.