Only 1,501 of these carbines are believed to have been manufactured by Warner in 1864. These initial carbines saw some use by Wisconsin units and others during the last part of the war. Another 2,500 were produced by Greene Rifle Works. After the Civil War, the Warner carbines were sold as surplus and then Schuyler, Hartley & Graham resold them to France in 1870. This example features a unique silver plated brass frame, indicating it may have been intended for presentation to an important individual, and is currently the only example to have passed through Rock Island Auction Company like it! The action features a hinged breech block and manual extractor located on the underside of the forend. "JAMES WARNER,SPRINGFIELD,MASS/WARNER'S/PATENT" marked in three lines on the left of the frame, has a round blade front sight, folding leaf rear sight with "3", "5", and "8" markings on the leaf (300-800 yards), a smooth walnut forend, straight wrist walnut buttstock, saddle ring eye (absent saddle ring) mounted on the left of the action, matching serial number "206" marked on the bottom of the barrel, rear flat of the walnut forend, front flat of the frame, and brass buttplate.
Fine, retains 40% original silver plated finish on the frame with scattered flaking and smooth bright patina on the balance of the brass frame, with scattered light surface freckling on the bright iron barrel, and clear markings and edges in the metal overall. Absent sling ring. Wood is very fine with some scattered light handling marks and dents, a chip ahead of the buttplate tang, and defined edges overall. Mechanically excellent. A unique silver plated example of a very scarce James Warner carbine that would be a distinguished addition in any Civil War collection!
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