.50RF Government (.50 Spencer) caliber. 20" round barrel secured with single barrel band. SN: NSN. Blued and color casehardened finish, walnut stock. Single shot bolt action cartridge saddle ring carbine. Lock marked in three lines: U.S./E.G. LAMSON & CO/WINDSOR, VT. and dated 1865 at the tail. Top of receiver marked in two lines: PATENTED DEC. 22, 1863. Counterpane with no visible cartouche. Carbine retains the L-shaped folding leaf rear sight with aperture hole, musket style iron blade front sight, short sling bar and ring. The Palmer Carbine holds the distinction of being the first bolt action metallic cartridge firearm to be acquired by the US military. Only 1,001 of the carbines were produced but their delivery was after the conclusion of the American Civil War, so they never saw service and were subsequently sold as surplus. An important part of any Civil War carbine collection as the Palmer and the Ball were both the first attempts to standardize a metallic cartridge for the US military, who had chosen the .50 Rimfire Government, better known as the .50RF Spencer. Although both were Civil War period contracts, neither were delivered in time. A very fine condition example of a rare gun.