Burnside Carbine 5th Model Serial Number

[stanjone]

 I recently purchased a Burnside Carbine 5th Model with serial number 4974. Is there a way to find a listing of who this carbine was issued to?

[Two Flints]

Stanjone,

The listed serial #s for the Burnside carbines are scattered in the SRS listings, so I'm giving you a serial # closest to your 4974.

Burnside Carbine serial # 4965 was issued to Company L, 18th Penna Volunteer Cavalry in March, 1863.

Hope this is of some help . . . please read my Spencer Serial # Disclaimer that explains how I determine issuance.

Two Flints

[Arizona Trooper]

There is a caveat to Burnside serial numbers. When Burnside started to tool up for Spencer production, they quit making Burnsides. It took rather longer than expected for the Spencer setup, so they restarted the Burnside line with the 'Model of 1864', which is a 5th model with a longer trigger plate to reinforce the stock wrist. And.... they restarted serial numbers at 1. #4974 from the first run would be a 4th model (like the 5th, but with no breechblock guide screw).  A 5th model with that number wouldn't have been issued before the end of 1864 or more likely early 1865.

[Two Flints]

Thanks Arizona Trooper for the clarification . . . unfortunately, the Burnside listings in any of the SRS books do not differentiate between the two models.  Your post is appreciated.

Thank you for your post.

Two Flints

[Trailrider]

The difference between the 4th and 5th Model Burnsides is the guide screw on the right side of the receiver, with the guide screw channel in the right side of the breechblock on the 5th Model. It made rapid working of the action much smoother and less likely to jam. Of all the breechloader percussion-fired CW carbines, the Burnside had the tightest gas seal, with the cartridge itself being the seal. The Sharps had the Conant gas check in the face of the block, but after a number of shots, it might not function as well. I have fired a 5th Model Burnside, and it is a great arm for its period of time.

[Two Flints]

This link   https://civilwarantique.com/webcat-november-2020/  will take you to Dave Taylor's Civil War Antiques and a listing for two Burnside Carbines.  Just thought there might be interest.

Two Flints

[stanjone]

Thank you all for the great infomation.