Burnside 5th Model Carbine .54 Cal Civil War Breech-Loading Rifle, 1862-65
SOLD FOR: $830
WOA#: WY240126MC004
Make: Burnside Rifle Co. of Providence, Rhode Island
Model: 5th Model Carbine
Serial Number: 17072
Year of Manufacture: 1862-1865
Caliber: .54 Caliber Self Contained Belted Brass Cartridge
Action Type: Single Shot, Rotating Block, Breech Loaded Percussion Rifle.
Markings: The lock plate is marked “BURNSIDE RIFLE Co. / PROVIDENCE=R.I.”. The left of the nipple housing and breech-block are each marked “H”. The top of the receiver is marked “BURNSIDE PATENT / MODEL OF 1864.” over the serial number, which is found again on the top of the breech-block, the top of the front lever-link and the bottom of the barrel, under the forend. The top of the barrel is marked “CAST STEEL 1864” in front of the rear sight and at the rear with “B”. The left of the frame has an “R” inspection mark. There is a cartouche on the left side of the grip. The top of the buttplate is marked “M”.
Barrel Length: 21”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight presents a “V” notch in the down position and when flipped up gives a “V” notched aperture for 300 yard and an additional 500 yard notch at the top of the arm.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, steel crescent buttplate and a sling swivel in the belly (there is also a sling-bar with ring on the left of the receiver). The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, bruises, scrapes and scratches. The left side of the forend has a thin 1 inch in length crack that starts at the receiver. There are some minor chips on the left side of the forend that are dark with stain. The edges of the stocks are dark where the wood meets the metal. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a light patina with scattered spots of erosion and wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition as Antique
Type of Finish: The finish was originally blued and case color, but little finish remains.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is light-moderate erosion scattered through the bore with some light pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10 for Antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish found only on protected surfaces, such as under the forend or on the interior portions of the lever assembly. Most surfaces are worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is scattered surface oxidation and erosion. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Most markings are clear, some are worn and incomplete. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Burnside Carbines are known as the ‘Best carbines of the Civil War’, made by the worst general of the Civil War, General Ambrose Everett Burnside, whose facial hair became a more positive trait than his aptitude for warfare. Regardless, this rifle evolved from a patent date in 1856 and is surely impressive in combat, enough so that 43 Union Cavalry units were equipped with them. Instead of a muzzle loaded process, these carbines could reload in a few seconds, even on horseback. The evolution of cartridge firing breech loaded rifles never stopped even after the Civil War. The rifle survives with a decent bore and good mechanics. The serial numbers are matching on the receiver, barrel, breech-block and lever assembly. It should make a nice addition to a Civil War arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck! -L.S.
