Rare Johnston and Howe Civil War Era Trials Carbine (AL7052)

This pivit breech carbine is marked W. Johnston patent 1862 and A.H. Rowe patent 1864 (no, 42,227). It was manufactured by William Muir & Co. of Windsor Locks, CT, and is dated 1864 on the frame of the pivoting barrel section. There is an element of mystery to this carbine, as there were patents for three different carbines that closely resembled each other. The first was assigned to a William Johnston in May 1862, the second was issued nearly two years later and assigned to A.H. Rowe in April 1864, and eight months later the third patent was issued to Johnston in December 1864. This type of carbine was submitted to the Military Tralis Board (the Laidley Board) in 1865. The patent holders probably had Muir manufacture several carbines but due to their being rejected for further testing, it is believed that very few of these carbines were produced. This carbine has a 22" round barrel chambered in .44 rim fire complete with a short military carbine ladder sight and blade front sight. The bore is very good with strong three-groove rifling and moderate firing erosion. The metal has an even blue-brown patina. The trigger guard has light to moderate pitting. The two-piece walnut stock and forearm complete with pewter forearm cap and military buttplate are good with handling marks throughout and a crosspin-repaired crack at the wrist. The action operation is unusual in that the pivoting breech is released by depressing a thumb piece on top of the wrist. The rear trigger cocks the action (very heavy pull) and the front trigger fires it. If you collect early breech-loading carbines or trials carbines this rare Johnston-Rowe carbine fits the bill.