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. Matching serial numbers on the frame and breech block. Two crisp boxed script inspection cartouches "NPR" and "RKW" stamped on the left wrist of the stock and small "N.S.P" inspection initials on bottom of the forearm and ahead of the buttplate tang. Provenance: The Bob Noske Collection; The David Aroh Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Excellent plus, nearly as issued, retaining 98% plus original blue finish on the barrel, 98% plus vivid original case colors with some scattered light freckling on the frame, lock, hammer, lever latch and buttplate, and 99% bright original niter blue finish on the breech block, upper tang, lever and lower tang. The wood is also excellent with attractive original raised grains and rich oil finish, some light handling marks, distinct edges, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This outstanding Civil War Burnside carbine remains as a true time capsule, and would be nearly impossible to improve upon!