Original Item: One Only. "Museum Grade" is not a term that we use often at all, so we do not use it lightly. However there is no better description for the condition of this rifle. It is the best example we have ever seen of the rare II Gwyn & Campbell Saddle-Ring carbine, also known as the "Grapevine Carbine" due to the snake like curves in the trigger guard lever and long hammer. We received this out of an old collection that was very well curated, as well as well protected from the elements, which has allowed us to offer this fantastic example, just as we received it.

One of some 4,200 carbines produced, the .52 caliber, percussion breech-loading carbine was developed for the Ohio State Cavalry in 1862 by businessmen Edward Gwyn and partner Abner C. Campbell, both of Hamilton, Ohio. The type II is more commonly encountered than the scarce Type I, which had a more "serpentine" shape, an had lock screws that attached from the right side of the lock plate. The U.S. Ordnance Dept. granted over a dozen contracts to Gwyn & Campbell for a total of 8,202 carbines of both types. A number of Federal cavalry units were armed with the G & C carbine and included the 3rd Wisconsin; 2nd and 3rd Iowa; 2nd & 3rd Arkansas; 5th and 8th Ohio; 5th, 6th and 16th Illinois along with other Civil War units.

Weapon is a single shot, falling-block action "capping breechloader" piece mated to a 19" round barrel that has a 3 1/2" long octagonal section at the breech. This specimen exhibits all iron mountings and has faint traces of case colors on the receiver. Hammer has a flat back with a beveled edge and a lever that is long and serpentine in shape. Lever locks into a short claw-like spur inside the bottom loop of the lever.

The metal finish is in excellent "Time Capsule" condition, showing loads of original bluing on the barrel, and lots of original case hardening on the receiver. The breech block, barrel tang, and other components even show lots of the original iridescent "niter bluing", which is highly attractive. Cap nipple is intact and excellent, and appears to be original. Fully matching serial number 3772 is clearly stamped on underside of barrel, receiver, breech plug and loading lever. Weapon is stamped with maker's mark on the lockplate, which is clear:

The carbine is lightly stamped stamped UNION / RIFLE on the side of the frame beneath the nipple area. The other side of the action has an intact ring bar with saddle ring, for use with cavalry troops. The Wood butt stock is excellent, with a lovely varnished finish and just a few dents and dings. There is a clear "boxed" WHR inspectors cartouche on the left side, most likely for William H. Russell, who inspected arms from 1862-1863.

Mechanically, the action works flawlessly, opening and closing easily, with the lever snapping easily back into the retainer. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though the mainspring is quite strong, so it does take some effort. The cap nipple cone looks to be original, and is in very good condition. The bore is bright and shiny for almost all of the interior, except for a short area of fouling near the breech. Hands down the best bore we have ever seen on one of these rare carbines.

Overall this Carbine use by the Union Army in the Civil War is in splendid "Museum Grade" condition and is fully ready to display.  A rare Civil War Carbine, most unusual to find today, the best example we have ever seen!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1862-3
Caliber: .52"
Cartridge Type: Percussion Cap and Paper Cartridge
Barrel Length: 20 Inches
Overall Length: 38 3/4 Inches
Action type: Falling-Block with Side-Action Lock
Feed System: Single Shot

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