The original walnut stock shows no breaks or major cracks and exhibits just a handful of very shallow dings and scratches consistent with use in the field and age. The bore has strong rifling and shows some slight rust oxidation in spots. Overall, the mechanics are strong and tight. Foster’s Patent” markings on the release lever assembly. There is a clean, clear maker’s stamp “BURNSIDE’S PATENT / MARCH 25 TH, 1856” on the receiver frame and crisp and deeply impressed “ G.P. I.” and the lockplate markings are clear, as are the serial numbers. The lockplate side tang is marked “BURNSIDE RIFLE Co. The metal surfaces have normal light rust pitting and dark areas of oxidation from war and use in the field. The weapon bears serial # 1762 on the eceiver, breechblock and barrel and exhibits a mellow gray patina on all metal surfaces with very slight traces of bluing and case color. The hinged center section drops down when the inner latch is activated and allows for insertion of the uniquely designed, tapered, copper Burnside cartridge.

Produced without any forstock, the carbine features a breech mechanism opened by the inside latch device on the trigger guard. 54 caliber, single-shot, percussion breech-loading carbine isone of only 2,000 ever manufactured by the company.

Produced by the Burnside Rifle Company of Providence, Rhode Island (owned by Union General Ambrose Burnside), this variation was only produced from 1860 to early 1862. Rare weapon to find and made in very limited numbers, this 2nd Model is serial number 1762 and was made without a forestock.

Burnside carbine serial number lookup