Approximately 5,000 First Model Maynard carbines were manufactured c. 1858-1859. This example is chambered in .35 caliber, of which it is known that Massachusetts Arms Company sold some of these early Maynard carbines and rifles in this caliber, mixed with .50 caliber examples, to individuals and units in the South in the immediate months prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, including orders by the states of Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, and various militia outfits in South Carolina and Louisiana. Throughout the Civil War, the Maynard remained a well received firearm with southern troops, particularly the famous Confederate cavalry. It has a rounded nickel silver blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight, peep sight with integral base on the upper tang, no markings on the frame, "3500" marked on the underside of the primer door, a small "J" behind the barrel hook , no provisions for a sling, two boxed script "TWR" (Thomas W. Russell) inspection cartouches stamped on the left wrist of the stock, the four-line patent marking on the patch box door, and still retains its original Maynard six-line patent sticker inside the patch box and an extra nipple.

Fine, retains 70% original blue finish on the barrel with smooth brown patina on the balance and a few scattered patches of light pitting. Strong patterns of muted original case colors remain on the frame with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. Patch box and buttplate turned to a mottled brown patina. Stock is very good with scattered dents and scratches and crisp cartouches. The hammer only remains in half cock, will not remain in full cock. Absent primer worm gear.