AR653            US Civil War Warner cavalry carbine.
In calibre .50”R/F Warner (56-50 Spencer) Warner-Greene Cavalry carbine No.: 2973. A rare US Civil War carbine with a 20” barrel, flip-up leaf sights. These issued cavalry carbines were based on James Warner’s February 1864 patent, production was initially by the Springfield Arms Co., and the Greene Rifle Works. This example is from the Greene Rifle Works, Worcester, Massachusetts.  The US Federal government issued an order for 1000 carbines in January 1864 ($18 each), followed by the provision of a further 500 at $20 a piece; all 1500 had been delivered by November 1864. Although originally chambered for the dedicated .50”RF Warner cartridge, a move towards standardisation of munitions meant that most, but probably not all, of the 1500 were chamber reamed to take the 56-50 Spencer cartridge. In November-December 1864, negotiations resulted in a contract for a further 2500 carbines (at $20 each), but this time chambered upon manufacture for the Spencer cartridge; delivery had been completed by mid-March 1864.
 
In use, hammer is brought to half or full cock (allows the breech to be opened) with the breechblock released by the sprung catch on its left hand side and the breechblock hinged to the right. After discharge, the breechblock is opened and the cartridge extracted by drawing back the lever which projected below the fore-end.
 
In issue to the Third Massachusetts and First Wisconsin cavalry regiments, it was found to be highly accurate. Reports from troops confirm its accuracy (with the original Warner cartridge) but noted problems with weakness in the stock (this example has typical damage to the butt at the tang), ruptured cartridges (ammunition produced by Critteneden & Tibbles seems to be the fault) and a consequent hole drilled into the base of the receiver to allow gasses from any ruptured cases to escape – this carbine has this modification. In this “War between the States2, whilst infantry were invariably issued with muzzle-loaders, the cavalry, particularly the Federal and Federal States’ cavalry, were technologically  innovative utilising a number of different breechloading mechanisms and models, making this a rich field for collectors. Quantities issued  were seldom large however with examples often scarce and difficult to find.
 
Military inspection was by Major Chester S Lowell, although no inspection mark can now be readily identified on the wrist of the butt. The left hand side of the receiver is correctly marked  GREENE RIFLE WORKS over WORCESTER. MASS. over PAT’D 1864.
 
Many, if not all the post Civil War surviving Warner carbines were sold-off to France in 1870, by Schuyler, Hartley and Graham, although with the problematic Warner rather than Spencer cartridges supplied. In keeping with other (very few) examples noted in the UK, this particular carbine has British Proof marks.
 
There is damage to stock at toe of butt and either side of the tang (all consistent with military units’ report); The bore is clear and quite crisp but externally the barrel has remnants of old pitting. The woodwork would improve considerably with steaming and tidying. Rear sight replaced.