Carbine

Object Name:

Carbine

Object ID:

1966.545.423

Creator:

Hall, John H. (1781-1841)

Place of Origin:

Harper's Ferry, WV

Date:

1837

Description:

Breech-loading weapon with percussion cap lock, known as "Hall's carbine, smoothbore". Round barrel, 20.5" long (from muzzle to rear barrel band), has a bore of .625. The thickness of the barrel is slightly lopsided at the muzzle, possibly as a result of being bored out. Ramrod type bayonet is present, but is missing original ball. (See To Do entry) Two bands attach barrel to stock. Gun is 3/4 stocked. Fixed front gunsight, offset from vertical axis of barrel to allow for obstruction from pan and hammer. Patchbox opens from bottom of stock; is covered with a hinged, spring-loaded lid, which is an extension of trigger guard. No sling swivels. Instead, an eyebolt passes through grip of stock, by which a sling may be attached. All furniture is iron, all iron is browned: barrel, bands, receiver and breech-block, trigger guard, eye bolt, flat butt plate with 2" tang.
Markings: Forward end of receiver: "J.H. Hall / U.S. / 1837".

Material:

Wood
Metal
Iron

Dimensions:

L-42.75 inches

Provenance:

From the Horace W. Harmon Collection. Harmon catalog entry #423: "Harpers Ferry Rifle Date 1837. The Flintlock Springfield used in the N.E. Reg. during war in Mexico and the Harpers Ferry in the Southern Regs".

Credit Line:

Gift of Horace W. Harmon

People:

Hall, John H. (1781-1841), Harmon, Horace W. (1844-1911)

Subjects:

War, Armament, Firearms