It surely appears to have been US military (or at least has a cartouched buttstock) at some time and in some fashion, but I believe it is a cut-down rifle as opposed to an original carbine. There is a cleaning rod groove (or a filled one) in the forend, right? The .58 center-fires were, AFAIK, used by the States (South Carolina being one) as opposed to the US Army.
Ed Hull will have the definitive explanation, I'm sure.
.58 carbine
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Dick Hosmer
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Re: .58 carbine
What is the barrel length? Does a M1855/61 socket bayonet fit the muzzle? Please post a photo of the complete frame, left side, rear sight to end of tang; also a closeup of the muzzle & sight. Ed
Re: .58 carbine
Also, is there a wood screw at the rear of the bottom tang? Ed
Re: .58 carbine
Measure the barrel to the face of the breech block.
This appears to be a cut down musket conversion. The chamber length indicates .58 Berdan Musket caliber, not .58 Carbine. The sling swivel on the trigger guard and the long bottom tang with wood screw are characteristics the frame of a musket conversion. The buttstock with cartouche looks in better condition than the rest of the gun; it is probably an attempt at "upgrade." This type of flat sided buttstock is not the type on any original Springfield trials/test arm.
This appears to be a cut down musket conversion. The chamber length indicates .58 Berdan Musket caliber, not .58 Carbine. The sling swivel on the trigger guard and the long bottom tang with wood screw are characteristics the frame of a musket conversion. The buttstock with cartouche looks in better condition than the rest of the gun; it is probably an attempt at "upgrade." This type of flat sided buttstock is not the type on any original Springfield trials/test arm.
Re: .58 carbine
Cartridge dimensions:
Total length= 2.13"
Case length= 1.65"
Head/base= 0.643"
Rim= 0.710-0.742(depends on maker)
Total length= 2.13"
Case length= 1.65"
Head/base= 0.643"
Rim= 0.710-0.742(depends on maker)