Cook & Brother Carbine
Cook & Brother · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1862
Also known as: Cook and Brother Carbine, Athens Armory Carbine
Overview
The Cook & Brother Carbine was a .58 caliber percussion, muzzle-loading cavalry carbine produced in the Confederate States during the American Civil War. Designed by brothers Ferdinand and Francis Cook and based on the British Pattern 1853 Enfield carbine, it was first made in New Orleans, Louisiana, before the firm relocated to Athens, Georgia, following the fall of New Orleans in 1862. With its rifled barrel and distinctive brass furniture, it was one of the comparatively few firearms manufactured domestically by the Confederacy, intended chiefly for mounted troops.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1016 mm (40.00") |
| Barrel Length | 533 mm (20.98") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Rate of Fire | 1 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 3 |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | White Metal |
Calibers
- .58 Caliber Minié Ball · primary — also known as 0.58 in, 14.7 mm, .58 Springfield, .575 Minié Ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle Loaded
- Features: Rifled Barrel, Muzzle Loaded, Percussion Cap, Saddle Ring, Ramrod, Brass Furniture
Service history
Operators
- Confederate States Army · adopted 1862
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,500 · Production years: 1862-1864
Carbines formed only a small portion of Cook & Brother output; the firm produced roughly 2,200 long arms in New Orleans and an additional 3,800-4,000 arms in Athens, Georgia, the bulk of which were rifles.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Ferdinand W. C. Cook and Francis L. Cook
Discontinued: 1864
Notes
Caliber is sometimes given as accepting a .570 patched round ball or .575 Minié ball. Carbines were produced in far smaller numbers than the company's rifles; total New Orleans output was roughly 2,200 long arms with only a small fraction being carbines and musketoons.
Background
Cook & Brother was one of the largest private arms makers in the Confederacy. After the fall of New Orleans in April 1862, the brothers moved their machinery to Athens, Georgia, building the Athens Armory, before production ceased in 1864 when the Confederate government fell behind on payments.