Maynard carbines were easily among the best cavalry weapons available during the Civil War. Both sides used them and held them in high regard. They are based on the designs of Dr. Edward Maynard, a dentist and inventor from New York and Washington, D.C. Approximately 20,000 second model Maynard carbines were manufactured in 1864 and 1865 and run in a serialized range, with this example not serialized and marked with an "1865" date on the lower tang as typically seen on sporting rifles; although the sporting rifles were manufactured at the same time as the standard Civil War contract carbines and this was likely a late delivered example of a second model carbine on contract utilizing an 1865 frame. Some were delivered late in the war and were issued and used by 6th, 9th, and 11th Indiana Cavalry and the 10th and 11th East Tennessee Union Cavalry. It has a pinched blade front sight, three leaf rear sight (graduated for 100, 300, and 500 yards), "S" stamped on several of the main components, "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE./MAY 27. 1851./DEC. 6. 1859." on the left side of the frame, "MANUFACTURED BY/MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS." on the right side of the frame, "G.W.S." inspection initials marked on the left flat of the barrel at the breech, and two boxed script "AJN" and "JM" inspection cartouches on the left side of the wrist. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with the balance thinning to brown patina and some scattered light dings on the barrel. 50% plus vivid original case colors concentrated on the frame with some light freckling and the balance thinning to a gray patina. Stock is excellent with sharp edges, some light scratches and handling marks, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent.