A total of 30,362 Smith carbines were reportedly purchased by the United States government during the Civil War. Smith carbines were considered to be one of the most important Federal Cavalry carbines and were known to be accurate and reliable weapons. Nearly all of the Smith carbines manufactured were issued to Union cavalry units and saw hard use during the Civil War, and somehow this example appears to have seen little if any use at all. It has standard markings and features, "L.F.R" inspection initials on the left of the breech, "JH" inspection initials ahead of the buttplate, and a crisp oval script "JH" inspection cartouche stamped on the left of the wrist. Provenance: The Bob Noske Collection; The David Aroh Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Excellent, retains 98% original blue finish on the barrel with a few small spots of light surface freckling. 90% plus original niter blue finish remains, very strong on the rear sight, breech latch and trigger guard with some flaking visible on the barrel band. 98% vibrant original case colors on the frame and hammer. Sharp edges and markings in the metal overall. Wood is also excellent with attractive raised grains and rich oil finish, distinct edges, some light scratches and dings, some moderate chips at the toe, and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent.