The production of Smiths with sling swivels ceased at that point. There are actually a few Mass Arms Smiths in existence with both types of sling arrangements on them! These are thought to be alterations done at the factory as retro-fitting updates prior to the arms being shipped. The Gov't then ordered that the sling swivels be replaced with saddle bars to allow the carbines to be slung on a snap hook and cross belt sling. Feedback from the field said that they were nearly impossible for the Cavalry to carry them slung across their backs. The first ones made had sling swivels only. OK, here we go! The very first Smith Carbines produced, and issued, were the ones made by the Mass. Mine is in visibly better physical appearance than 10601 and, aside from handling marks, appears unfired with pristine bore, original iron domed bottom nipple, no peening in hammer cup and all color case visible in the nipple hole bottom.Īny enlightenment including direction to historical experts will be much appreciated. The Smithsonian has 10601 with swivels with a notation of 1863 issuance to a cavalry unit, via the SLFLD ORD DEPT ISSUANCE BOOKS. It seems to me that there could be first and second models with the same serial numbers.This is probably an over simplification on my part. AND that both blocks started with 1 and ran consecutively. While at the Oct Nationals, I listened to an apparently knowledgeable man share that there were TWO runs of Smith carbine serial numbers, one for the'first' model with the swivels, and a second block of serial numbers for the later model without swivels.

Burnside carbine serial number range