Original Smith

[johnefelts]

I have a original Smith SN 206** , looking for a way to track it down, get some providence, initials in the stock appear very faint but is JSF. Has the Cavalry bar and ring, hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Thanks

[B P Shooter]

Try these two sites for the initials. May help, may not.

https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers.htm?submitted=1&firstName=T&lastName=Cahail&warSideCode=U&battleUnitName=

http://civil-war-soldiers.mooseroots.com/

[ms3635v]

John,

Please be aware that the Smiths were manufactured in more than one place. I have an unfired one with serial number1XX. When I looked at the quantities manufactured by month and year I incorrectly assumed, at the time I looked it up in John McAulay's book that it was one the first 400 delivered in January, 1862. I was quickly, but politely, corrected by a member far more knowledgeable then me.

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

Your model is of the second type manufactured. The first model with sling swivels was the first model and is commonly incorrectly called an artillery model. The government didn't like the sling swivels and asked that they change to a sling bar. All Smiths are Cavalry models. Yes, be careful as there are are others with your serial number out there. Do your home work on line and look at the many articles out there and pay attention to when each were manufactured. Pay attention to inspector marks too. Good luck.