For Sale: Gwyn & Campbell Carbine Type II, 3rd Model

Gwyn & Campbell Carbine Type II, also known as the “Union Carbine”, was produced by Edward Gwyn and Abner C. Campbell in Hamilton Ohio during the Civil War and represent the evolution of the Henry Gross Jr. designed and patented Cosmopolitan Carbine (which took the name of its manufacturer Cosmopolitan Arms Co.). After reorganizing the company in 1863, Gwyn and Campbell only produced approximately 8000 carbines before production ceased in 1864. During that time, improvements and design changes continued during manufacturing and it is on these changes that collectors designate types and models. The major grouping of these arms falls into two categories, the Gwyn and Campbell Carbine Type I and Type II Carbines (each within their own SN range) and is primarily based on the curvature of the lever and its latch (the Type I “Grapevine” lever being longer and more serpentine than the Type II “Union”). All carbines are breechloaders that utilize paper cartridges. Each primary group is subdivided to account for additional, smaller changes during production. Three model types comprise the Type II series with the 1st Model having a more pronounced curvature to the butt plate at the top as well as a flat-faced hammer with beveled edges and claw type lever catch typical Type II carbines. Type II 2nd Models eliminate the pronounced curvature of the butt plate and 3rd Models changed out the claw lever catch for an easier to manipulate pivoting catch mounted behind the lever. In his work on the subject, Rentschler states that Gwyn and Campbell produced only 500 3rd Models somewhere in the SN range of 3900-4600, with an estimated 100-120 surviving examples today. G&C carbines are known to have been issued to many Federal cavalry units in the western theater during the war.

The Gwyn & Campbell Carbine Type II, 3rd Model here is marked with the appropriate ‘PT’ and ‘R’ inspector’s stamps on the metal parts. The barrel, breechblock, upper tang, and butt plate are blued while the frame, lever, lower tang, and hammer display case color with some aged brown patina. The lock plate has some remaining case color around the hammer and faint color elsewhere but has mostly browned over time. The lock mark ‘Gwyn & Campbell/Patent/1862/Hamilton. O’ is worn while the ‘Union/Rifle’ frame stamp is sharper. Serial numbers on the lever, breech, frame, and barrel all match and fall within the 3rd Model range. The bore is clean, bright and has well-defined rifling with a few small scattered patches of pitting. The walnut stock is in excellent condition with a few service handling marks and a prominent ‘W.H.R.” on the comb, just forward of the butt plate. The stock cartouche at the wrist is barely legible and appears to be the ‘WHR’ mark of William H. Russell. The brown rear leaf sight, graduated to 600 yards, and sling bar and ring are correct. Overall, this is a great carbine that is perfect for filling the Type II, 3rd Model slot in a G&C collection or for use at the range.

See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of antique firearms before purchasing this item.