Looking for a Smith expert

[Ben Nevlezer]

I recently found a rather odd Smith carbine for sale in very good condition. It appears to be all original, s/n 19xxx.
Now for the oddities....
It has no sling swivels, ruling out an "artillery" model.
It has no sling bar and ring, nor any provisions or holes where either may have been and later removed.
And now for what really seems odd to me, it appears to have multi grove rifling, at least 6, possibly 7 or 8 lands and grooves.
It has a mint bore and overall it appears to possibly be unfired.
Do any of the experts out there have any ideas on what a Smith of this configuration is???
Thanks in advance.
Ben.

[noonanda]

I recently found a rather odd Smith carbine for sale in very good condition. It appears to be all original, s/n 19xxx.
Now for the oddities....
It has no sling swivels, ruling out an "artillery" model.
It has no sling bar and ring, nor any provisions or holes where either may have been and later removed.
And now for what really seems odd to me, it appears to have multi grove rifling, at least 6, possibly 7 or 8 lands and grooves.
It has a mint bore and overall it appears to possibly be unfired.
Do any of the experts out there have any ideas on what a Smith of this configuration is???
Thanks in advance.
Ben.

Maybe a Civilian variant of some kind. a member here mike santarelli wrote a great book on the smith, maybe he will see this and comment. I would look in my book but its in Virginia and Im in Texas

[ChrisWBR]

I recently found a rather odd Smith carbine for sale in very good condition. It appears to be all original, s/n 19xxx.
Now for the oddities....
It has no sling swivels, ruling out an "artillery" model.
It has no sling bar and ring, nor any provisions or holes where either may have been and later removed.
And now for what really seems odd to me, it appears to have multi grove rifling, at least 6, possibly 7 or 8 lands and grooves.
It has a mint bore and overall it appears to possibly be unfired.
Do any of the experts out there have any ideas on what a Smith of this configuration is???
Thanks in advance.
Ben.

For a short time after the war there were civilian Smith Carbine sporting models for sale. What you have might be one of those. I have only seen one or two others advertised at auctions.

[ms3635v]

Ben, there were two manufacturers of the Smith carbine, the Massachusetts Arms Co. and the American Machine Works. The Massachusetts Arms Company was the first company to manufacture Smith carbines. Mass Arms produced the first 11,000 Smiths made and purchased by the government for military use in the war. In January 1861, Mass Arms had a fire and American Machine Works became a subcontractor for Mass Arms. The Type 1 had sling swivels and is not an artillery model. The type 2 Smith had saddle bar and ring and had serial numbers around 11,000+ and after had saddle bars and rings; both Mass Arms and American Machine Works made these. Photos would be a help in making an identification. Early civilian Smiths had a different look, i.e. trigger guards, bolster, sights, to name a few. The early Smiths were also produced in .36 caliber. Years ago Mike Yeck made reproduction Smith carbines. Of all of the original Smith I have seen, all were three lands and grooves. Yours could have a relined or after market barrel.

9877



















=

[hwaugh]

Ben,

You might want to show that Smith to Steve Doyle. He may be able to help you.

Harry

[Ben Nevlezer]

Thank you all! The Knowledge amongst fellow skirmishers never ceases to amaze me!
Mike, I would like to have a copy of your book. Please either post here or PM me with the info on how to obtain a copy.
Thanks again,
Ben.

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

Just both sides of the receiver please.
2 thumbs up on Mikes Smith book!!
PS - Can't be one of Mike Yecks... the number is to high

[ms3635v]

Ben, check your private messages.