.50 Smith US Civil War Carbine

SOLD. An excellent example of a Smiths Patent Capping Breech Loading Carbine. Around 30 different types of carbine were used during the US Civil War and basically if you had a design that could be maufactured it was purchased by either the Union or Confederacy and put into service. With a two-piece walnut stock, this model used a unique break action activated by the brass lifter inside the trigger guard. This raised a sprung locking catch on the top of the carbine allowing it to break in half for loading. These carbines were very successful with their only real drawbacks being problems with closing from excess black powder fouling and the locking catch spring occasionally failing. This example (SN: 8553) is in very good condition with a blue/grey patina and good stocks. Fully working action and completely strippable. This item is not deactivated in any way, but rather is chambered in a UK obsolete calibre. As such perfectly legal to purchase and own in the UK as an antique or curio PROVIDED it remains unfired.  It is sold as an antique/curio and DWSUK provides no guarantees on its suitability/safety should it be purchased with the intention of adding it onto a FAC/live firing it.