Description
Very solid example of the Civil War Gallagher Carbine which is a single shot breech loading .50 caliber percussion carbine as documented issued to the Federal cavalry and related units during the Civil War. Mahlon J. Gallagher, a South Carolina native, developed the weapon while he resided in Savannah, Georgia in July 1860. From its factory location at 12th and Thompson Street in Philadelphia, the firm of Richardson and Overman produced almost 18,000 of these carbines for the Federal government from 1861 to 1865.
The Gallager featured a breech loading mechanism which consisted of a lever / trigger guard combination that when pushed down, allowed the barrel to slide forward and tilt up and away from the barrel.
This specimen bears serial #10980 and features a 22¼” long round barrel, no fore-end or comb with a total length of 39½”. Fitted with a sling bar with saddle ring on the left side of the breech frame, the carbine also has a two-leaf rear sight, iron blade front sight and a slightly curved butt plate. The round barrel wears a light plum-colored patina and exhibits scattered light pinprick rusting overall. The bore is dusty but exhibits strong rifling. The carbine is iron mounted with an unmolested receiver and barrel The stamping “GALLAGER / PATENTED JULY 17TH 1860” on the lock plate is clear and visible.
The oiled lack walnut stock has the original iron patchbox and the stock has a number of minor dings, dents, and scratches. The carbine exhibits good mechanics and frame screws are in nice condition overall. According the the Springfield Research Service database, this weapon was likely issued to:
UNION TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS: 4th Regiment, Tennessee Mounted Infantry
Organized at large in Tennessee September 1, 1864. Stationed at Alexandria, Tenn., operating against guerrillas. Four companies at La Fayette, Tenn., 4th Sub-District, Middle Tennessee, April, 1865. Action at Wall’s Hill September 28, 1864. Polk County November 23, 1864. Operating against guerrillas in White, Overton, Fentress and Montgomery Counties and quieting country till August, 1865. Mustered out August 25, 1865.
