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.

Very fine, retains 85% original plum blue finish on the barrel with a few light scratches, 80% vibrant original case colors remain on the lock, hammer, trigger guard and buttplate, with the bolt handle turned to a smooth gray and brown patina with some light pitting. Stock is fine as re-oiled, with defined edges, a few light handling marks, and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This scarce Civil War era Palmer carbine, a significant piece in the development of military arms as well as firearms in general, would make a fine addition to any U.S. Martial collection!