Burnside Carbine Rifle

Firearm

Genesee Country Village & Museum

Name/Title

Entry/Object ID

2025.36.015

Description

.54 caliber Burnside rifle. A breech-loading carbine that saw widespread use during the American Civil War. The carbine was designed and patented by Ambrose Burnside. The carbine used a special brass cartridge which was also invented by Burnside. This cartridge contained a bullet and powder, but no primer. It was the 3rd most popular carbine used in the war, behind Sharps and Spencer.

Collection

Genesee Country Village and Museum

Firearm Detail

Manufacturer

Burnside Rifle Co.

Place Made

City

Providence

State/Province

Rhode Island

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America

Date Made

1864 - 1865

Time Period

19th Century

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Receiver Marking

Location

Side plate

Transcription

Burnside Rifle Co. / Providence R.I.

Language

English

Material/Technique

Stamped

Type

Receiver Marking

Location

Frame and breechblock

Transcription

35632

Material/Technique

Stamped

Type

Receiver Marking

Location

Frame

Transcription

Burnside Patent / March 25th 1856

Language

English

Material/Technique

Stamped

Type

Receiver Marking

Location

Barrel

Transcription

Cast Steel 18[?]

Language

English

Material/Technique

Stamped

Type

Receiver Marking

Location

Stock

Transcription

Remnants of the inspector's cartouche, interior illegible

Language

English

Material/Technique

Stamped

Dimensions

Width

4-1/2 in

Length

39-1/2 in

Weight

7 lb

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Burnside Rifle Co., Burnside, Ambrose

Related Events

Event

Civil War