Original U.S. Civil War Contract E.G. Lamson & Co. Ball Patent Repeating Saddle-Ring Carbine with Magazine Cutoff - Circa 1865

Original Item: Only One Available. These are extremely rare, records tell us only 1,002 pieces were manufactured, and all delivered to New York State. Delivery was accepted in May 1865 just after the war. They would have been one of the more advanced weapons of the war had they been introduced earlier. The magazine under the barrel holds seven cartridges, and the action operates somewhat similar to the famous Spencer carbines.

Clear markings on the left side of the receiver read:-

E.G.LAMSON. & CO.
WINDSOR. VT.
U.S.
BALLS PATENT.
JUNE.23.1863.
MAR.15.[1864.]

The carbine features a breech side-loading mechanism that consisted of a lever / trigger guard combination that when pushed down, allowed the shooter to inject up to seven brass rimfire cartridges into the tubular magazine within the fore-end. This involved pulling out the loading rod on the right front of the barrel, which pulls the follower and spring forward in the magazine, allowing cartridges to be easily inserted. One full, the catch on the front of the muzzle fitting would be pressed, releasing the follower and spring. We tried to use this function, and while we can get the spring and follower to latch forward, we could not get them to release unless we pulled out the rod again.

The design also features a rather unique "partial breech block" design, where part remains attached to the barrel, and part moves back when cycling. As originally designed, these did not have any way to stop the next cartridge from being fed into the chamber when ejecting the previous spent shell, however this example has been modified with the addition of a magazine cutoff, which has resulted in the date on the last line being obscured. Definitely an interesting and unique action design!

The carbine retains its saddle bar with ring to the left side and appears to be complete, still retaining the original front and rear sights. Aside from the markings on the receiver, we were not able to find any inspection cartouches or serial numbers. The metalwork has a lovely matured patina, with no signs of major oxidation or damage in the past, just the usual wear and tear from use. As best we can tell, the carbine cycles correctly, though the action cannot be opened until the hammer is in the fully cocked position, which does seem a bit odd, however we were not able to find any further information about this. We checked the bore, and it shows clear five groove rifling, with signs of past fouling and oxidation, now removed. The stocks are in good shape, looking to have been varnished in the past, with the main condition issue being a missing chunk on the left side where the butt stock meets the receiver.

We are told New York State surplused off the entire 1,002 Carbines in 1902, we think to Bannerman's for the princely sum of 12 CENTS each!!! Very very rare today, our example is in really good condition and is ready to display in any Civil War Collection!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: c.1865
Caliber: .50 cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 20 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 37 1/2 inches
Action: Lever Action with Manual Hammer
Feed System: 7 Round Tube Magazine

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.