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. Two crisp boxed script "GC" (George Curtis) inspection cartouches stamped on the left wrist of the stock, "R.K.W" inspection initials on bottom of the forearm and "H.D.H" (Henry D. Hastings) inspection initials ahead of the buttplate tang. Provenance: The Ron Bucholtz Collection

Excellent plus, nearly as issued, retaining 95% plus original blue finish on the barrel with a small patch of concentrated minor nicks visible underneath the muzzle end, 97% plus vibrant original case colors on the frame, hammer, lever latch and buttplate, 99% bright original nitre blue finish on the upper tang and breech block, and 90% plus bright original nitre blue finish on the lever and lower tang with some light flaking. Wood is also excellent with attractive original raised grain and rich oil finish, some light handling marks, distinct edges, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This absolutely stunning Civil War Burnside carbine appears to have seen little, if any, use at all and would make an excellent addition to any U.S. Martial collection!