Gibbs Carbine
Phoenix Armory (William F. Brooks) · Carbine · Discontinued · 1863
Also known as: Gibbs Breechloading Carbine, Gibbs Patent Carbine, Brooks Gibbs Carbine
Overview
The Gibbs Carbine is a single-shot, breech-loading percussion carbine designed for Union cavalry use during the American Civil War. Patented in 1856 by L. H. Gibbs, it chambered a .52 caliber combustible cartridge ignited by a separate percussion cap. Operating the under-barrel lever tilted the rifled 22-inch barrel upward at the breech to expose the chamber for loading. Only 1,052 examples were delivered before the Phoenix Armory in New York City burned down during the 1863 Draft Riots, making it one of the scarcer Federal cavalry carbines.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 991 mm (39.02") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Breech Loading |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Effective Range | 180 m (197 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 2 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .52 Ball · primary — also known as .525 caliber, .52 caliber round ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breechloader
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Saddle Ring, Tilting Breech, Lever Actuated Breech, Iron Sights
Service history
Operators
- United States Army (Union cavalry) · adopted 1863
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,052 · Production years: 1863
Of a 10,000-unit U.S. government contract, only about 1,052 were delivered before the Phoenix Armory was destroyed by fire during the New York Draft Riots of July 1863.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Lucius H. Gibbs
Discontinued: 1863
Notes
A government order for 10,000 carbines was placed in 1861, but the destruction of the Phoenix Armory by fire on July 13, 1863, during the New York Draft Riots halted production after only about 1,052 had been delivered. Weight is an estimate based on comparable Civil War cavalry carbines.
Background
Carried by Union cavalry units including the 10th Missouri Cavalry and the 13th and 16th New York Cavalry, the Gibbs is prized by collectors for its rarity, a direct consequence of its maker's factory burning during the New York Draft Riots before the bulk of its contract could be filled.