These "Fifth Model" Burnside carbines represent the completion of the evolution of General Ambrose Burnside's ingenious carbine design. 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 matching serial number on the frame and breech block, and two boxed script inspection cartouches "EPR" and "RKW" on the left stock wrist. A brass collection tag marked "FBS29" is hanging from the saddle ring. Includes Burnside combination tool and tampion. Provenance: The Donald Bates Collection

Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue finish on the barrel with a patch of concentrated dings visible underneath the muzzle end, 90% plus bright original nitre blue finish on the lever and tangs with some light freckling and some flaking on the lower tang, and 98% plus vibrant original case colors on the frame, hammer, and lever latch. Wood is also excellent with attractive original raised grain and rich oil finish, defined edges, a patch of scrapes underneath the forearm, some light handling marks, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. An absolutely stunning Civil War Burnside carbine that appears to have seen little, if any, use at all!