These "Fifth Model" Burnside carbines represent the completion of the evolution of General Ambrose Burnside's ingenious carbine design. Unfortunately for Burnside, he profited little, if at all, from his well-known design because he sold his shares before the company received sizable government contracts. The outbreak of the Civil War led to the purchase of over 50,000 Burnside carbines. They were the third most purchased breech loading carbine during the war, after only the Sharps and the Spencer. This example has the standard markings and features. Matching serial numbers on the frame and breech block. Left wrist marked with two crisp boxed inspector cartouches "HDH" (Henry D. Hastings) and "GC" (George Curtis).

Excellent plus, nearly as issued, retaining 95% original blue finish overall with some very light muzzle wear, some light scratches on the barrel, and some light flaking mixed with some mottled brown on the trigger guard lever. 97% plus vivid original case colors on the frame with some light spots of gray and some light handling marks. Wood is also excellent with some light scratches on the underside behind the barrel band, some light dents on the left behind the stock screw, some light handling marks, and exceptional crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. A near mint U.S. Civil War Burnside carbine!