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SCARCE CIVIL WAR 4TH MODEL BURNSIDE BREECHLOADING

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
SCARCE CIVIL WAR 4TH MODEL BURNSIDE BREECHLOADING
SADDLE RING PERCUSSION CARBINE. Cal. 50. S# 10297. Bbl. 21". For a gun that over 7,000 were made, this gun produced in early 1863 is hard to find as. Often call the transitional model to standard production gun, note the there is no guide screw in center of frame as on model 1864. All earlier model Burnsides are scarce and most saw hard service in the field. This model 1863 is virtually identical externally to 3rd model, but with hinged 2 piece breech block instead of the solid block previously. It allowed for much easier loading with breech now pointing straight up when opened. A defect in the design of the jointed breech was soon identified. The breech block had first to be rotated forward & then the lever moved upward. Reversing the sequence resulted in dented or dislodged bullets. The problem was solved by the creation of a guide pin in the frame & a groove in the breech block which guided the breech block through the proper sequence making it impossible to use incorrectly, thus the standard model 1864 was born. 4th model is marked on 21" barrel forward of adjustable rear sight “CAST STEEL 1862", Breech with earlier stamp "BURNSIDE’S PATENT / MARCH 25TH 1856", lock "BURNSIDE RIFKE CO / PROVIDENCE: R.I."
The 4th model Burnside saw service with NJ, Michigan, Indiana, Rhode Island, Ohio, West Virginia, NY, PA & Illinois cavalry regiments, S#s of many can be found in National Archive records. CONDITION: good to very good overall. Complete & original, missing dovetailed inset front sight, lever bolt catch has broken arm. Metal overall is smooth plum on barrel, and mottled silver/gray on frame is a mottled brown/gray. Markings all discernable. Stocks are sound & well fit, old refinish & varnish, no discernible cartouche, indiscernible lettering on left buttstock. Mechanically functional, crisp bright rifled bore. PROVENANCE: Michael E. Bray estate collection. (01-23299/JS). $1,500-2,500.