Civil War Smith 1863 Model Cavalry Carbine by Mass Arms Co.

Serial #12039, .50 Caliber, 21 1/2" barrel with a fine, bright bore that has a touch of mild freckling at the muzzle.  This Mass. Arms Co. and Poultney & Trimble-marked carbine has matching numbers on the frame and barrel with the barrel retaining about 60-65% of the original blue, speckled with plum-brown freckling on the balance.  The frame has a mottled gray and plum-brown patina with some faint traces of color case-hardening on a few protected areas, and the locking spring has turned to an even dark brown patina throughout.  The walnut forend and buttstock are in good shape with minor handling marks and surface blemishes scattered about the thick military oil finish.  The carbine retains the sling bar, but is missing the ring, and clear inspector cartouches are present on the left side of the wrist.  The barrel lock-up is tight and the action is fully functional.  About 40 US cavalry units are known to have been armed with the Smith Carbine during the Civil War, and this US-inspected example is in very good condition overall.  It would make a nice addition to any collection.  Antique