Original U.S. Civil War Rare Gwyn & Campbell Type I Saddle-Ring "Union Carbine" - Matching Serial Number 2258

Original Item: One Only. This is a lovely example of the rare Type I 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 have had several of the "Type II" carbines, but this is the first "Type I" that we have had. One about 700 of these rare carbines were produced, compared to 4,200 of the more common "Type II".

This .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 design was essentially an updated version of their earlier "Cosmopolitan Carbine" The Type I carbine is encountered far less than the more common Type II, and features a more "serpentine" shape to the loading lever, and has a rear lock screw that attaches from the right side of the lock plate to an escutcheon on the left. 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.

The carbine is a single shot, falling-block action "capping breechloader" piece mated to a 20" round barrel that has a 3 1/2" long octagonal section at the breech. This specimen exhibits all iron mountings and has had the original case hardening on the receiver faded to a mottled patina, with powder burn on the top. The hammer has a flat back with a beveled edge and a lever that is long and serpentine in shape, with an end loop that curves all the way around to the Type I latch, which must be pushed forward to unlock the loading lever. The mechanism works exactly as it should, exhibiting some slop due to wear from service.

The metal finish is in very good condition with a lovely brown oxidized patina overall, with some of the original bluing and case coloring present in areas, particularly on the sides. The top of the receiver and particularly the breech block show oxidation from powder and primer burn, so the carbine definitely looks to have seen a good amount of use in firing. The cap nipple cone is intact, and appears to be original, though it is worn. Serial number 2258 is stamped on underside of barrel, receiver, breech plug and loading lever, which makes this a great "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years! The carbine is stamped with maker's mark on the lock plate, which are still clear:

GWYN & CAMPBELL
PATENT
1862
HAMILTON, O.

The carbine is also 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 in very good condition, with moderate wear from service such as dents and dings, but no major damage such as cracks or repairs. It does look to have been varnished long ago, which is still very well retained. The bore is in very good condition, showing strong lands and grooves, but also wear and past fouling and oxidation, now removed. There is definitely some rust on the breech plug from fouling, consistent with use in service. Still, we often see Civil War guns with bores like stove pipes, so this is definitely a good example.

Overall this rare Gwyn & Campbell Type I Carbine used by the Union Army in the Civil War is in splendid condition and is fully ready to display. A rare Civil War Carbine, most unusual to find today.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1862-3
Caliber: .52"
Cartridge Type: Percussion Cap and Paper Cartridge
Barrel Length: 20 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action type: Falling-Block with Side-Action Lock
Feed System: Single Shot

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