The State Military Works in Greenville, South Carolina, manufactured approximately 1,000 of these brass frame, breech loading carbines during the Civil War. George W. Morse invented and patented this advanced breech loading system as well as the cased centerfire cartridge it uses; considered to be one of the earliest of its kind in using what is the precursor to the modern day firearms cartridges. These carbines were manufactured on machinery which had been captured by the Confederates from the Harpers Ferry Armory. Of interesting note, Morse had started work on overseeing the alteration of muskets to his breech loading system at the government owned Harpers Ferry Armory just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War and continued his work during the war in support of the Confederacy using some of the same captured machinery. The majority of the Morse carbines were issued to the South Carolina Militia with limited numbers issued to other Confederate forces. It is chambered in .50 caliber centerfire and is loaded by raising the breechblock upward. It correctly lacks maker markings; with only the last few production examples found with maker markings other than the serial number. This first type example locks solely by the use of a firing pin that protrudes into the breech block, and since it is one of the later made examples of a first type, the breech latch does not have serrations cut into the sides as seen on the earlier first types. The serial number "196" is marked on the underside of the frame and breech cover. The barrel is fitted with fixed blade front and notch rear sights. Mounted in a smooth butternut forearm and straight grip stock. Brass tipped iron ramrod. Period initials "W.S.G." punch dotted into the right of the breech latch.

Very good, exhibiting extensive wear associated with a Confederate issued arm. The barrel displays a mix of smooth gray patina with scattered mottled brown surface corrosion. The brass displays a bright patina as lightly cleaned, with some scattered dings from period use, and punch dotted initials as mentioned above. The re-oiled wood is also very good, with some scattered dents and scratches, and a chipped section on the right rear of the forend. The breech cover hinge pin is absent, otherwise mechanically fine. This rare Morse carbine would make a great addition to any Civil War firearms collection!