Model 1864 Joslyn Carbine

Texas Johnny

Corporal
Joined
Jan 29, 2019
Location
Texas
I was fortunate enough to acquire a Joslyn carbine. The Joslyn carbine which I purchased was the final Joslyn carbine, known as the Model 1864. This version of the Joslyn addressed some of the complaints that the U.S. Ordnance Department had received from soldiers using earlier model carbines (Model 1855 and Model 1862) in the field. One change was with the friction latch, which could accidentally open if struck or if it got caught on something. The friction latch was replaced with a pull knob. With the Model 1862 carbine some firing pins were being damaged, so Joslyn designed a protective hood to cover it. Also a gas vent was added, in fact it can also be found on some late Model 1862 carbines.

This .52 caliber Model 1864 Joslyn fired a rimfire metallic cartridge like the Model 1862. Some ammunition makers made cartridges that they claim could be used in either the Spencer carbine or the Joslyn. Typically, this joint ammunition would work well with the Spencer, but at times it would misfire in the Joslyn.

My Joslyn has a saddle ring and bar and is stamped with serial number 7401. The lock plate is stamped “JOSLYN FIRE ARMS CO / STONINGTON, CONN / 1864.” Inside the breech block it is stamped "B. F. JOSLYN'S PATENT / OCT. 8, 1861 / JUNE 24, 1862." It has two inspector cartouches (FDL) on the left side and is also stamped "FDL" on left side of barrel. It is not known who inspector FDL was, although those initials are found frequently on Joslyn inspection markings. It also has a stamped "US" on butt plate tang.

The physical dimensions of my Model 1864 are virtually identical to the Model 1862, although there were some Model 1864 carbines produced in .44 and .58 rimfire versions. In appearance the Model 1864 carbines do look different as all of the brass furniture was dropped for all iron furniture. About 12,500 of Model 1864 carbines were made and most were delivered to the Ordnance Department before the war ended.

A total of 11,261 Joslyn carbines were sold to the U.S. Ordnance Department from 1861 to 1866 at a total cost of $282,586 or an average cost of $25.09 per carbine. That made the Joslyn the 10th most purchased carbine by the U.S. Ordnance Department. They also purchased 515,416 Joslyn cartridges at a total cost of $12,935.37. In addition to the carbines the the Joslyn Fire Arms Company 1,100 Joslyn revolvers to the Ordnance Department.

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