Bunside 2nd model serial search

[jimsjunk]

Hello, I just picked up a Burnside 2nd model carbine with serial 1767, I was hoping someone might have access to the SRS books and see if its listed.
Thank You
Jim

[Two Flints]

Hi,

In my SRS Books I show a Burnside Carbine with a serial # of 1765 - issued to a member of Company B, 2nd Illinois Volunteer Cavalry in 1864 . . . very close to your 1767, and just maybe . . . issued to the same unit

Two Flints

[jimsjunk]

Thank You Two Flints,

Could this be a return date, seems late for a 2nd model to be issued, or maybe a reissue. 

Thanks
Jim

[Two Flints]

Sorry Jimsjunk,

That's the only info I can give you and straight from the SRS books.  Best I can do.

Two Flints

[Jobe Holiday]

When you are dealing with Burnside Carbines you have to understand the serial numbers didn't run consecutive throughout the entire series of models. There are several instances where the serial numbers were reset and started over at serial number 1. As an example, I recently looked at a 5th Model that had a very low four digit serial number.

There is also something very important that you have to understand about the SRS serial number lists. They aren't actual "Issue Dates" unless specifically stated as such. The dates shown are only a snapshot in time where a particular arm shows up in archival records. The arms were often quite a number of years old when they were surveyed and recorded in some obscure military record. There are even instances where the same serial number has multiple listings spanning many years of service. Frank Mallory had explained this many years ago when he was scouring the archives looking for serial numbers anywhere he could find them. Frank was a real gentleman who was willing to share his research with the world.

J.

[Arizona Trooper]

I'll second Jobe. The "Model of 1864" carbines started back at 1. They have a longer trigger plate to reinforce the stock. I have handled M1864 number 16, which matched everywhere, even the wood. Any low serial number reported in 1864 would have to be assumed to be an M1864, not an early model.

About 900 second models were made, of which 690 were delivered on federal contracts. The leftovers were sold on the open market, but undoubtedly they found their way into the army too.

2nd models are very rare. I've only seen a few over the years. Most probably succumbed to hard service, and it it unlikely that more than a hand full would have still been in service by 1864, and most of those were probably in the Southern army, who were a lot less picky about standardization.