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Smith Carbine

rose-myke89rose-myke89 Member Posts: 27 ✭✭
edited April 2004 in Ask the Experts
Hello, have a few questions that I need help on.I pick up a nice smith carbine pat. date 1857 serial numbered 3377.I tried looking up the number but found ones before it and after on the research site. Is there any way to pin point actual cavalry reg. that it was issued to? Would there be records for just the regiments,as it also has initials carved into the stock I would like to trace. Also what is the price range for a low numbered carbine in very good condition. Has minor wood gouge, and missing 1 screw. Barrel clean and has saddle ring. Thank you Rose
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Comments

  • rose-myke89rose-myke89 Member Posts: 27 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    can anyone help me with a value of my smith carbine. it appears to be unissued. the bore is shinier than my shotgun. case hardening is 90%
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hope you don't want to shoot that puppy - original Smith rounds retail well into three figures! As to details on issue, etc., if no one here can help you, try contacting the NRA, especially the Museum staff. They have more reference material than any other institution / individual in the country and likely could refer you to someone who could help if they cannot. You *are* a member, of course? [;)]

    "There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And liberals / DemoWipes" (me)
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  • rose-myke89rose-myke89 Member Posts: 27 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for the info. I wish the the ammo was not so expensive for it, I am going to get at least the paper and foil cartridge to put with it. Would like the india rubber cart. but cost too much. What value would anyone put on the smith> Thanks again. Rose
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You should be able to find an original paper / foil round for $20 - $30; the rubber ones run $150 & up.

    "There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And liberals / DemoWipes" (me)
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  • rose-myke89rose-myke89 Member Posts: 27 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks again, where would you recommend searching for the cartridges?Rose
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  • woodsrunnerwoodsrunner Member Posts: 5,378 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    There are also plastic cases available from Navy Arms and Dixie Gun Works that will work the same as the original rubber cases,

    Woods

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    "... there is much truth in the Italian saying, 'Make yourselves sheep, and the wolves will eat you.'" -- Benjamin Franklin
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  • rose-myke89rose-myke89 Member Posts: 27 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for info but I am lookig for originals to display with the carbine. Thanks again, Rose
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rose, do a search every 3 to 5 days of the auctions under "collectible ammo" here and on the "other" site . . . once in a blue moon, some of these are offered. I would also suggest posting a "want" on the Int'l Ammunition Association site forum: http://www.cartridgecollectors.org/ . . . many of the active IAA people / dealers deal with such advanced specimens they don't bother to list items with GB or AA. There are also two good mail order auctions - Pete DeCoux and Vic Engel (you'll be able to contact them through the IAA) and they usually have more valuable / exotic specimens than you will see on a site like this one. True original specimens are pretty scarce, so you will have to work at it . . . but they are out there. If you want to send me your eml addy via the icon here, I'll add you to my "wants" database. I usually print this out before going to a major cartridge show (I attend two to four a year) and take it with me. Since the martial and early specimens are the primary focus of my own collection, it's really not a big deal as I will be looking at / for this material anyway. Sometimes I get lucky and find something exotic which someone is seeking. I don't engage in this for more common items which people can find for themselves if they are willing to invest the time, but original Smiths don't show up very often - maybe two or three times a year. No promises, though!! The ammo market is thin and quirky. Just for example, I looked for a rare rimfire for a good thirty years before finding one . . . and then found two more at the same gun show!

    "There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And liberals / DemoWipes" (me)
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  • joeaf1911a1joeaf1911a1 Member Posts: 2,962 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rose: Would like to see a picture of your Smith carbine. I believe
    I had one back in the late '30's or early 40's which I shot a lot.
    If I recall correctly it was aprox 52 caliber. Also believe I used
    the old wet to use shippin tape to make paper cartridges, rolled around a dowel, and the bullet glued in. Forget the grs. of ffg
    black powder I used. Was one fine shooting gun. Sold it and my .31
    cal. colt revolver (percussion) when I enlisted.
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