Which model arms to which units

[roguejefferson]

I am new to this forum so be gentle. My great grandfather served in the 1st Mass Cavalry and then the 3rd Mass Cavalry. He fought in the battle of Mansfield during the Red River Campaign and was seriously wounded there. I have a picture of him in uniform and his saber. I would like to acquire a carbine and pistol like he might have carried. Is there any source that would tell me which arms the Mass 3rd Cavelry might have been issued and when? I looked through some of the threads but didn't see anything that might help me. Thanks for your help!

 

[johan_steele]

1st & 3rd MA Cav Sharps Carbines w/ 1st also carrying the Smith. according to Coates Civil War Small Arms

 

[roguejefferson]

Outstanding! Thanks for your quick response!

 

[Old Hickory]

Coats book represents 1863-1864 time frame and states many units exchanged arms at least once during service, in particular were Union cavalry units towards the end of the war who echanged single shot carbines for Spencers. Thebook is avalible from amazon.com at a very reasonable price.

 

[roguejefferson]

Thanks again. I just ordered the book. I sent away a year ago and received about 100 pages of my great grandfathers pension records. Great information in there. He got $8/month pension after he was wounded and discharged. He spent the rest of his life having friends and relatives write letters to the government saying that because of his wounds he could no longer work as a carpenter. Just before his death ( I think it took an act of Congress) he was awared $24/ month. Some things never change!