The Palmer carbine holds the distinction of being the first metallic cartridge bolt action firearm ever adopted by the U.S. Ordnance Department. The bolt does not contain a firing pin and is simply used to seat the cartridge and seal the breech. It fires with a traditional side lock. Approximately 1,001 of these carbines were ordered on contract by the U.S. government late in the Civil War but were delivered too late to see action. It has small "M.M" (Miles Moulton) inspector initials on the left of the breech, left stock flat and top of the stock ahead of the buttplate tang, and a circled script "MM" inspection cartouche on the left stock flat.

Excellent, retains 97% plus original plum blue finish on the barrel with a few minor handling marks and one small patch of minor surface corrosion on the underside of the barrel. 99% plus vibrant original case colors remain on the lock, hammer and buttplate, with the bolt handle showing a few areas faded to a smooth gray patina with some light pitting, and strong case colors visible on the trigger guard with some slight fading. Stock is very fine with attractive original raised grain, defined edges, a patch of moderate gouges concentrated on the right of the wrist, a small chip on the left edge below the barrel line, some light handling marks, and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional example of a scarce Civil War era Palmer carbine, a significant piece in the development of military arms as well as firearms in general, would make an excellent addition to any U.S. Martial collection!