Arms, Armor and Militaria

.58 caliber. 19.5" round barrel. SN: NSN. Bright finish, walnut stock. Rotating breech, percussion ignition, breech loading carbine based upon Edward Linder's patent. Lock marked U {Spread-Winged Eagle} S/AMOSKEAG MFG CO/MANCHESTER, NH. and dated 1864 at tail. Breech weakly marked EDWARD LINDNER'S/PATENT/MARCH 29, 1859 with only part of the last line legible. Retains correct pattern multi-leaf rear sight mounted forward of the breech rather than on the tang as on the earlier variant of this gun. Also retains correct musket-style front sight and sling ring on triggerguard bow which replaced the sling bar on the earlier Amoskeag made variants. The very first Lindner-type carbines produced were modifications of surplus Austrian rifles and were the actual first Lindner deliveries which should be referred to as "1st Model" guns, but are generally forgotten in firearms history. These 400 guns were specifically requisitioned for issue to the 1st Michigan Cavalry. Later production guns were produced by Amoskeag Manufacturing Co of Manchester, NH with the first type unmarked and with approximately 500 accepted for US military service, while the 2nd type with Amoskeag marked locks were never accepted and were finally sold off during the Franco-Prussian War circa 1870. These 6,000 marked Amoskeag 2nd Model Lindner Carbines utilized a large number of Special Model 1861 style rifle musket parts in their production to make them easier and cheaper to produce. Due to the Franco-Prussian War sales, these later Amoskeag production Lindner carbines are relatively rare in the United States are often in hard-used condition when found. This is a good example of a relatively scarce 2nd Model Amoskeag Linder carbine. {ANTIQUE}