History of Smith Carbine

Andrew hall

I would like to learn more about the history of a Smith carbine I received from my father. I can see the following information on it: Manufactured by American Machine Works, Springfield, Mass. Address Poultney & Trimble, Baltimore, USA, Smith's Patent, June 23, 1857. Additionaly, the number 4512 is stamped on the bottom of the rifle.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for research?

dcinffxva

There were about 30,000 Smith carbines produced during the Civil War, and were mainly used by Cavalry units. They are .50 caliber single shot breechloader, and open by pressing the latch that is forward of the trigger.

Occasionally you can get a more specific history from the Springfield Research Service, but they charge for the information, and last I checked their website was down.

captkirk3@dslextreme.com

This oughta muddy up the water a bit...Looking thru Satterlee and Gluckmans American Gun Makers I find...

1. AMERICAN ARMS CO.,- Chicopee Falls, Mass.,Made Smith carbines during the Civil War......

2. AMERICAN MACHINE WORKS- Established by Philos B. Tyler in 1843 at Springfield, Mass. Manufactured Smith carbines on Civil War contract, in 1864.

dcinffxva

There was a third manufacturer on the Government contract named the Massachusetts Arms. Co. in Chicopee Falls.

Poultney and Trimble were the agents of Gilbert Smith, the patent holder. They also were responsible for adaptation of some of the saddle rings and bars.

The Smith's manufactured by American Arms are a little more scarce than the American Machine Works, and Mass. Arms.

I would suspect that the markings on Mr. Halls carbine more resemble

MANUFACTURED BY
AM'N M'CH'N WKS
SPRINGFIELD MASS

Just to toss a little more in, the military outfitters Schuyler, Hartman and Graham advertised the Smith's in their 1864 catalog, so there were some that were sold on the civilian market without inspector stamping.

njretcop

Andrew,

For a $15.00 fee, the Civil War Weapons Search people will research your Smith Carbine and possibly tell you if and where your carbine was used in the war.

I did mine and received a nice letter from them telling me the unit it was assigned to and verified that it was in fact, used in the Civil War.

Andrew hall

Gents,
You guys are great. I lappreciate the leads and will get to work on them.

dcinffxva is correct in how the letters are actually spelled out on the side of the gun.

My first adventure into antique guns. Thank you for being so helpful.

staind460

have shot a repro in NSSA comp many times. my buddy has two of em. they are great shooters and a great dear rifle

blacklabbob

try www.N-SSA.org
Hundreds of the original Smiths are shot in competition by members.