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.
=
Last edited by ms3635v; 07-19-2020 at 10:56 AM.
Mike Santarelli 03635V, Adjutant
Member since 1979
Co. B, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, #229
National Inspector General
Small Arms Committee
Bookmarks