Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1333:
Description
A quintessential piece of American Civil War cavalry history, the Burnside Model 1856 was designed by future Union General Ambrose Burnside. These .54 caliber breech-loading, single-shot carbines were the third most-used Union cavalry carbine of the war. They were prized for their unique tapered brass cartridge and the positive seal provided by the dropping breechblock. They were also the first arm of the US Army to shoot metallic case cartridges.
This particular carbine has a 21-inch, rifled barrel with a front fixed sight and a rear fixed, folding leaf sight. The lock bears the inscription, “Burnside Rifle Co. / Providence R.I.” A saddle ring is attached to the left side of the breech. The falling block bears the serial number “792” near the pivot joint. The two-piece stock is made from walnut and shows normal wear from storage and use. A repair to the butt of the stock is visible near the metal butt plate. The metal exhibits remnants of the factory finish, with normal wear from use. The bore is clean, and the rifling is good. The hammer, trigger, and falling block actions are smooth and tight. All markings are clean and crisp. The overall length of the rifle is 39 ½ -inches. From Donley’s Wild West Town Museum.
S/N: 792
C&R Eligible
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