Beschreibung:

.52 caliber, 20" octagonal-to-round barrel, S/N 2164. Matching numbers on bottom of barrel, frame, breech block and lever. Final production version of the Gwyn & Campbell (Union Rifle) carbine, which evolved from the earlier Cosmopolitan carbine. About 8,200 manufactured circa 1863-1864. Falling breech percussion single shot with sing bar, produced with blued barrels, case hardened frames and walnut stocks. Retains correct late pattern short base rear sight, front sight, sling bar and ring. Typical Gwyn & Campbell marks on receiver and inspection marks on barrel as well as cartouche on wrist. Obverse buttstock carved 1865 / J. KRAUER. John Krauer served in the 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery, known as the "Jack Ass Regiment." The regiment had originally been organized as the 21st Indiana Infantry and was subsequently re-designated as a Heavy Artillery regiment. A small binder of information regarding the regiment and Mr. Krauer is included with the carbine, as well as a letter detailing the acquisition of the carbine from a Krauer family estate sale. Condition: Good to very good. Metal void of finish with a mottled dark gray over silvery gray patina, showing age discoloration and scattered surface oxidation, including some light pitting here and there. Mechanically functional, but the mainspring feels weak and the hammer will not hold at half-cock. Breech lever and block function correctly. Very good bore that is mostly bright with fine rifling. Stock very good with late added varnish, which has protected it. Crisp cartouche on reverse wrist; crudely carved ID on obverse butt.