Make: American Machine Works for Poultney and Trimble

Model: Smith Carbine

Serial Number: 6830

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1862-1865

Caliber: .50 Cal Smith Carbine Cartridge

Action Type: Single shot, break action, percussion rifle, firing self contained rubber cartridges.

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked "Smiths Patent June 23, 1857 / Address Poultney and Trimble, Baltimore, USA / Manufactured by AM'N M'CH'N WKS, Springfield, MASS". The left side of the barrel is marked "LFR". The serial number is marked on the lower front of the receiver.

Barrel Length: 21.675"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a folding type sliding V notch bar.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel carbine buttplate. The LOP is 14 1/2" from trigger to buttplate. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. There is minor chipping around the buttplate and receiver. The inspector's cartouche is clear. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Fine condition as antique

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There are a few light spots of pitting. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original finish. There are light scratches and a few light spots of oxidation throughout. The case hardening still shows good color. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings range from lightly marked to clear. Overall this rifle is in Fine-plus condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This American Machine Works Smith Carbine is a highly appealing Civil War-era antique percussion breechloader, manufactured circa 1862–1865 and chambered for the .50 caliber Smith carbine cartridge. The Smith system is an interesting transitional design, using a break-action percussion mechanism with self-contained rubber cartridges, placing it between muzzleloading arms and later metallic-cartridge carbines. This example has strong historical appeal due to its American Machine Works manufacture, Poultney & Trimble Baltimore patent/address marking and martial markings.

Condition is a major strength, especially for an original Civil War antique arm. The carbine retains about 90% of its original blued and case-hardened finish, light wear in the stocks, and a strong bore. Mechanically, the carbine is functional. Overall, this is a very high condition Civil War Smith Carbine that will be difficult for the collector to improve upon. It would likely appeal strongly to Civil War arms collectors, cavalry carbine enthusiasts, and antique firearms buyers seeking a well-preserved and mechanically complete example. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids!