Manufactured by Massachusetts Arms Company, Chicopee Falls, 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. Matching serial number on the receiver and barrel. 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. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip walnut stock with a steel carbine buttplate. There are two sharp "JM" cartouches on the left wrist.

Very fine with 85% plus of the original blue and 75% casehardened finish remaining, showing some minor spotting on the breech end of the barrel, receiver and trigger guard. The wood is also very fine with a few small chips on the wrist of the stock at the receiver, a large oval dent in the center of the buttstock comb and some scattered minor dings and dents. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.