Approximately 10,500 of these "side lever" Hall Model 1843 carbines were manufactured by Simeon North in 1844-1853. The 1st and 2nd U.S. Dragoons were among the units issued these carbines during the Mexican-American War, and more than half are believed to have been rifled for use in the Civil War, making original smoothbore examples like this scarce. Its western heritage certainly adds to its interest. It has a blade front and V notch rear sight. "U.S./S. NORTH/MIDLtn/CONN./1847" marked breech block. "GWH" (George W. Hamlin) inspection initials marked on the left of the breech end of the barrel, boxed script "GWH" inspection cartouche marked on the left stock flat, and oval script "WAT" (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouche marked on the right stock flat. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Provenance: The George Moller Collection