Burnside Carbine
Historical artifact -- Carbine
Identifier:
1979.10.35Description
1864 Burnside CarbineSerial #: 4577
The Burnside carbines were designed by Ambrose E. Burnside (a famous Union general) in 1855. Initial production of 1000 Burnside carbines began in 1857 by the Bristol Firearms Co. in Bristol, Rhode Island. However, with the onset of the Civil War, production began in earnest by the newly organized Burnside Rifle Co. in Providence, Rhode Island. From 1861 to 1865, approximately 53,000 carbines were manufactured.
The cartridge, often made of tapered foil or a copper casing, was unusual and unique to the Burnside arms. The rifle is marked cast steel.