Lamson & Ball Carbine: Henry Meets Spencer (Sort of)

Published on April 15, 2017
Duration: 10:47

This guide details the operation of the Lamson & Ball Carbine, a Civil War era repeating firearm. It covers cocking the hammer, cycling the lever action for extraction and chambering, and the function of the magazine cutoff. The guide also includes instructions for loading the under-barrel tube magazine and emphasizes crucial safety precautions. Instruction is provided by an expert from Forgotten Weapons, highlighting historical context and mechanical details.

Quick Summary

The Lamson & Ball Carbine is a Civil War era repeating carbine known for its distinctive design and under-barrel tube magazine. Originally intended for .44 caliber, it was re-tooled for .56-50 Spencer rimfire, delaying production past the war's end. Expert Ian McCollum from Forgotten Weapons details its operation, including manual hammer cocking and lever action, and its historical context, including a surplus sale for just 12 cents.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction: Lamson & Ball Carbine
  2. 00:38Albert Ball's Design & Specs
  3. 01:11E.G. Lamson's Role & Factory
  4. 01:56Lamson's Initial Contracts
  5. 02:28Government Contracts & Caliber Change
  6. 03:24Delayed Delivery and Combat Use
  7. 03:40Post-War Storage and Surplus
  8. 04:47Modern Value and Action Overview
  9. 05:09Cocking and Firing Pin
  10. 05:25Extraction and Ejection Mechanism
  11. 06:21Loading and Chambering
  12. 06:54Sights and Loading Rod
  13. 07:49Sling Ring and Magazine Cutoff
  14. 08:28Magazine Cutoff Function
  15. 09:21Comparison to Henry Rifle
  16. 10:10Conclusion and Auction Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lamson & Ball Carbine?

The Lamson & Ball Carbine is a Civil War era repeating carbine designed by Albert Ball and manufactured by E.G. Lamson & Co. It features an under-barrel tube magazine and a lever-action mechanism, though it required manual cocking of the hammer for each shot.

Why did the Lamson & Ball Carbine not see combat service?

The Lamson & Ball Carbine's production was significantly delayed due to a government requirement to re-tool for the .56-50 Spencer rimfire cartridge. Deliveries concluded in April/May 1866, after the Civil War had ended, preventing its use in combat.

How does the Lamson & Ball Carbine operate?

Operation involves manually cocking the hammer, then cycling the lever action to extract the spent cartridge, eject it, and chamber a new round from the under-barrel tube magazine. A magazine cutoff can be engaged to make it function as a single-shot firearm.

What is the historical significance of the Lamson & Ball Carbine's surplus sale?

In 1901, the government surplused obsolete firearms, including Lamson & Ball carbines, which were sold for a mere 12 cents each. This highlights the vast quantities of firearms from the Civil War era that became available post-conflict.

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