Original Item: Only One Available. Over the years, IMA has purchased many collections and groups of antique guns, in which case we need to take all of them, as we did in Nepal. While these collections were generally full of guns that relatively good condition, they also had some that were less complete and unfortunately would take more restoration time than we were able to give them. We kept them in storage, possibly for future products, but have now decided to offer these "As Found" antique firearms to our customers as restoration projects. These are all original and as we received them, except for cleaning the dirt and grime off the exterior.

Please note that these are still real antique guns, and are being sold in "As is" condition at a significant discount from what they would sell at if we were to fully restore them. We will do our best to photograph and describe them and know that our customers will know exactly what they are getting. If they arrive and you find that they are not to your liking, they can be returned, however please be aware that there will most likely be restocking fees assessed

This Burnside Cavalry Carbine in .54 caliber is offered in "As found" condition, having only been given a light wipe down before photography. It is marked on the frame, breech block, loading lever, and under the barrel with serial number 16983, which is about halfway through of wartime production. Springfield Research records indicate serial numbers in this range were being delivered in 1863 and 1864, however there are no blocks of serial numbers we can find that would indicate which unit it was sent to.

This example, known as the "Fifth Model" or model of 1864, is in "As Found" service used condition, with very nice "broken in" rear stock and an intact saddle bar, though the ring is missing, and the fore stock has been replaced. The Burnside was one of several "capping breech loader" designs utilized by the Union Army during the war. The top of the frame is correctly marked:

The marking on the lock plate is still clear:

The CAST-STEEL 1864 marking in front of the sight is present but mis-struck as they usually were, so the marking is only partially legible. The small "guide screw" on the right side of the frame that allows the breech block more easily stay in place for reloading is still present on this example, which was the main difference between the fourth and fifth models.

Condition Notes:
- Overall condition shows significant age and oxidation on the metalwork. Some areas of metalwork show pit rusting and past cleaning.
- Fore stock and barrel band are complete replacements. Fore stock screw is a non-fitting replacement that does not engage the threads at all.
- Butt stock is in worn condition, with some wood filler around the trigger guard area. It still has an original inspection cartouche on the left side. Middle butt stock bolt is missing.
- Rear sight is completely missing.
- Action is functional and cycles well. Lock functions correctly.
- Bore still shows rifling but also fouling and oxidation from improper storage. Finish is mostly dark, with some bright areas towards the chamber.

A very nice example of a Fifth Model Burnside Carbine in "As Found" condition. This could definitely turn into a great restoration project, or possibly parts for yours!

Please make sure to look at all the high resolution (2000x2000) pictures before purchasing.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1863-4
Caliber: .54"
Cartridge Type: Copper Casing or Tapered Foil Cartridge with Cap
Barrel Length: 21 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Breech Loading Falling Hinged Block

History of the Burnside Carbine

The Burnside, one of the best carbines of the Civil War, was designed by one of its worst generals. Actually, Maj. Gen. Ambrose Everett Burnside had sold the interest in his breechloader well before the war started, so he was unencumbered with the need to further its development or, sadly, to reap the proceeds that would have resulted from its success as the conflict’s third most widely produced Federal carbine, after the Sharps and Spencer.

Burnside’s invention employed a rotating block, released by a loading lever that was activated by a hinged, clamping catch. It chambered a unique .54-cal. cone-shaped brass cartridge with a thick, rounded belt (there were also some earlier, coiled cases, sans belt) at its mouth and a small hole in the base that allowed ignition from a separate percussion cap. The round was loaded, base down, into the chamber. Next, the lever was closed and the block locked in place with the belt halfway between the chamber and barrel, providing an excellent seal.

After the carbine was fired, the lever was again lowered and the spent case easily removed from the block with one’s fingers. If extraction became difficult, it was possible to pull it out with the base of the next cartridge. After the soldier got the hang of it, a Burnside could easily be fired in excess of a dozen rounds a minute.

The Burnside Carbine (there were rifles, too) went through a considerable evolutionary process and provides a fertile area for the collector. About 300 First Models were produced by the Bristol Firearm Co. in Bristol, R.I., a manufacturer founded by Burnside himself. It was a .54 caliber with an overall length of 40 inches. First Models had no fore-stock and incorporated a unique side lever, which operated a tape primer and also locked the breech block in the open position. The carbine’s frame was case-hardened, and the barrel was blued.

Second Models did away with the side lever and tape primer, though they still had no fore-stock. Premier Second Models were made by the Bristol Firearm Co., though later ones were produced by the reorganized Burnside Rifle Co., in Providence, R.I. The Third Model, fitted with a fore-stock, was introduced in 1861 at the request of the U.S. Ordnance Dept.

A Fourth, and final, variant appeared toward the end of the Civil War. It had a double pivoting breech block to make the gun easier to open and close. Later on, a second type of Fourth Model (sometimes called “Fifth Model”) appeared with a screw in the right side of the action to prevent the block from dropping out of the action, thus speeding up loading. These guns will be seen with both blued and case-hardened frames. Markings on most Fourth Models are, “BURNSIDE’S PATENT/MODEL OF 1864,” though there are some examples with the earlier 1856 date. Also, deliveries of this model started in 1863, even though they had the 1864 markings.

Because they were made in large quantities and appeared toward the end of the Civil War, Fourth/Fifth Model Burnside Carbines are the least valuable of the various versions. Not too steep a price for one of the most important cavalry arms of one of America’s most important conflicts.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.