Morse Rifle

[Cpl. Parker]

Hello,

I have a chance to buy a Navy Arms Morse Rifle. I have searched the internet and here but the information is scant. I believe there was a Morse Rifle used in the ACW. Is the Navy Arms version anything like the original? I haven't been able to find any photos of originals and only one photo of the Navy Arms Morse. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks
Kevin Grant

[Michael McComas]

Re: Morse Rifle

As I recall, the Navy Arms replica is the Morse rifle, a .50 cal percussion rifle. The Morse carbine was the only centerfire cartridge carbine used by the Confederacy, has not been reproduced, and have a price tag starting at about $5000 these days. I believe they're two different guns.

The Blue Book of Gun Values lists prices for the Navy Arms guns. The guide is available for $10 from https://www.bluebookinc.com/download...t=Powder&id=65

Might be worth buying the guide to keep from getting a raw deal.

[Iron Scout]

Re: Morse Rifle

Kevin,

The State Works did manufacture a limited number of Morse rifles which are different from the carbines. Check "Collecting the Confederacy" by Shannon Pritchard for images. His website is: www.oldsouthantiques.com for the book. It's expensive but a great reference. I do believe that using such a rifle though would limit you to the 64-65 time-period in SC/NC only. Very few were made.

Hope this helps,

Neill Rose
PLHA

[sam.p]

Re: Morse Rifle

There is a photo, along with a description, of a Morse carbine in Vol II No. 3 of the North South Trader. Apparently some were made in Atlanta by H. Marshall and Co. before operations were moved to South Carolina.

Cordailly,
Sam Patterson

[SCTiger]

South Carolina did attempt to manufacture its own arms during the Civil war, first at the Columbia State Armory (in the old penetentiary in that city) which ended up as a mere storage area, and also on the State House grounds where pikes were made, and arms repaired. Some repairs were made on Confederate arms, and the government also bought some 197 pikes at $3.00 each in 1863. Mr. David Lopez was appointed “General Superintendent for manufacture and repair of small arms” to head these operations, and the State Works at Greenville, South Carolina. These are all distinct from the state arsenal in Columbia, and the Confederate-run Columbia Arsenal which included the Columbia Armoury (which made crude copies of Enfield rifles), and the Columbia Powder Mill.

The story of the State Works is really that of George W. Morse, the inventor. Early in 1861 Jefferson Davis sent Morse north to seek arms and especially arms making machinery and employees from Harper's Ferry. Morse was annoyed when he met Raphael Semmes doing much the same job, without Morse's being informed. Virginia acquired most of the Harper's Ferry machinery when the place was captured, and “loaned” much of it to other states. By July, 1861 Morse was superintendent of the Tennessee Armory, in Nashville and made a successful request for some of the Harper's Ferry machinery. In February, 1862 Nashville fell and by April, Morse his tools, machinery, and stock were moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where David Lopez had just established the State Military Works. More of the Harper's Ferry machinery was then obtained. Some sort of repair work must have been underway there by the end of 1862.

The General Assembly authorized the ordering of “1,000 of Morse's pattern breech-loading carbines made at the State works, for the use of the State.” This was done on the basis of a committee report which recommended the carbines at a cost of $13.00 to $15.00 each, and pointed out that salvaged musket barrels could be used in them. By October 1, 1863, one hundred Morse carbines were completed, three hundred were in progress, and 3,000 long arms had been repaired. In addition, $181.00 worth of “repairs of small arms for civilians" had been done.

In anticipation of the completion of the carbine contract, the governor was authorized to make use of them as he shall think best for defense of the state. Of the 75 men employed at the State Works only 20 were in the small arms shop, the rest worked in the foundry, machine shop carpenter shop, etc. However; carbines were produced regularly including two hundred in the third, and one hundred in the fourth quarter of 1864. assuming a similar rate for three quarters for which figures are not available, it appears that all 1,000 might have been made by the end of 1864, Enough were on hand that i was possible to sell the Governor “1 model MBL Carbine with Cartridges, Implements & c. complete” at the inflated price of $345.00.

Apparently arms making ceased in late 1864 and the works turned from making carbines to plowshares and other agricultural and domestic implements, Morse hoped for favorable recommendations to Richmond , where he expected to gain the support of General Lee and President Davis in making either Morse carbines or muskets which were , according to Morse, “the best weapons in the world for the defense of trenches”; He also pointed out that many of the carbine tools were his personal property and he wanted to get the others , which belonged to the state, sent to Richmond for Confederate use.

Apparently the tools for altering muskets to the Morse system were captured at Harper's Ferry and “loaned” to Morse, for he explicitly stated “I have all the tools for this alteration of muskets, and the work could progress rapidly.” Even considering thr problems of the Confederacy obtaining and drawing copper for cartridges, it is surprising that more Morse carbines were not made, especially the musket conversion.

The history of the State Works is summed up in a protest against its political seizure as Confederate States Property in an 1866 letter which began by stating that everything made there was kept by the state; except for a few items which were sold to the Confederate government, and continues:

The few arms manufactured, were kept exclusively for State Service, and the Governor has always positively refused to allow them to go into Confederate service. Captain Boykin's company obtained about 100, and when mustered out of State service, these arms were all, by order of the Governor returned to me. These worka have been employed most of the time in the manufacture of tools, and in assisting farmers, and have turned out in three years, 1000 guns which were deposited in 'State Arsenal' at Columbia, where they were destroyed by General Sherman's Army. In the fall of 1864, the shops were advertised for sale, but at the suggestion of myself and others , the legislature determined to convert them to agricultural works for the purpose of supplying the country with the necessary implements for farming... (and continued in this field until raided by a mob, which carried off everything portable.)


As the fortunes of war turned against South Carolinians, Sherman took Columbia, and a few days later on February 18, 1865, Charleston was subdued after nearly four years effort by Naval forces. As military forces were defeated, their arms, whether provided from State or Confederate sources, were seized by the victors, and a year and a half later the official report declared that “the balance of the ordnance and ordnance stores belonging to the State od South Carolina were left in the Arsenal in Columbia, South Carolina and ther destroyed by Sherman's Army.

Arming the |Militia: South Carolina Longarms 1808-1903, John Henry Spangler, University of Florida 1977. South Carolina State Archives.

I was told that one of the huge problems with reproducing the carbine, would be the cartridge itself and the gas seal system. Like Neil stated and the low number of manufacture, and the limited usage, it wouldn't be worth the cost. Surprisingly there are probably more surviving examples then expected. The ammunition was not reproduced after the war and many MBL carbines sat around unused. Two examples in the Greenville 16th, SCV museum were purchased at a flea market in the 1980's, the seller's kids had played "Cowboys and Indians" with them as if they were toys!

If you find MBL carbines, post the pictures here or list the serial number and location. I would appreciate it.

http://www.p4a.com/itemsummary/141291.htm

# 181 A rare Civil War era Morse 1st Model Carbine, SN 181. This very desirable 1st Model Confederate CSA carbine is with a solid brass latch. Latches on these guns are quite often

Unknown serial number Texas Civil War Museum

http://www.texascivilwarmuseum.com/

Unknown
Sold by

http://www.csacquisitions.com/

#676: George W. Morse Carbine, Serial Number 676. Inscription on left side of brass frame by Captain Charles C. Soule, 55th Mass. Infantry, who apparently took the carbine home as a souvenir.

Owner: Dr. and Mrs. John Murphy

#551 Type III

Sold by Sumter Military Antiques, Mt. Pleasant, SC

# 274 .54 cal., 20" barrel. No markings are visible except the serial number. The ramrod is a replacement. The front lip of the rear toggle link has been broken off and replaced, causing a difference in color between the rear and the front. Only the stub of the locking button remains. The stock has been revarnished.

CONDITION: Mellow patina on action buttplate and forearm tip. Blue/brown patina on barrel, which is slightly loose in the action. Numerous small dents and scratches in the wood under the varnish. The bore and action are good.

Sold at auction 3/13/2001 at Portsmouth, New for $12,000

http://julia.hanovercomputer.com

# 437 Very rare Morse Carbine Third Type. Serial number 437. Number manufactured: approximately 650. Manufactured between 1863 and 1864 by State Military Works, Greenville, S.C. Caliber: 50. Barrel Length: 20". Included is the original cleaning jag that fits in the butt.Very fine condition. ********

http://www.antiquesandguns.com/morsecarbine.html

#462

Ron of Minnesota, unknown details

http://oldguns.net/q&a9_04.htm

#751

S MORSE CARBINE, 3RD TYPE. Serial number 751. Action locks by a latch which engages the rounded iron section at the top of the breech block. Approx. 7,000 Morse Carbines were made at State Military Works in Greenville, SC. 39" overall length w/20" rounded barrel. Slender brass frame, buttplate & nose cap make it a most attractive arm, contrasting with its butternut color stock. .50 caliber. The forerunner of centerfire metallic cartridge. Fixed & notched iron rear sight. Front sight is small iron oblong block inlet into barrel w/small brass block w/blade sight inlet into iron block. Cleaning rod threads into round grooved brass tip & is locked into place as it contacts a stud affixed to bottom of the muzzle end of the barrel. A brass cleaning stud or jag is placed in the rear of the brass buttplate. Forestock & buttstock in very good condition. Large brass frame w/very minor wear w/typical casting flaws. Mechanically perfect. (205-22) $12,500.

http://www.horsesoldier.com

#912

For Sale by Old South Antiques

http://www.oldsouthantiques.com/os889p1.htm

http://www.oldsouthantiques.com/os804p1.htm

In 1863 and 1864, the State Military Works in Greenville, also called the Greenville Armory, made and repaired weapons for South Carolina. Supervised by inventor George W. Morse, the plant made about 200 inside-lock muskets and 1,000 breech-loading carbines. These "Morse carbines" were produced for South Carolina state troops, not for regular Confederate forces. In addition, the plant produced small quantities of a variety of items, including two field carriages, four wagons, syrup kettles, skillets, and assorted cartridges and mortar shells.
Because raw materials, fuel and skilled labor were scarce, the State Military Works closed in late 1864. Although it made only about 1,200 weapons, the plant was significant. First, it was the state's only effort to produce badly-needed weapons during the war. Second, the Morse carbine, a breech loader, was one of the few technologically advanced weapons produced in the South.

"The Patent model cased sets were manufactured by the Muzzy & Co. in Worchester, NY for George Woodward Morse, an inventor who used these sets to promote his new breech-loading arm. Even though this Morse Combination Rifle-Shotgun is mot a Confederate Firearm, it was included in this book to tell the whole Morse story. Morse held many U.S. patents on firearms. In 1861, Morse tried to sell 6000 breech-loading carbines to Texas. These carbines were to be manufactured in Europe; however, the contract was never concluded. At the start of the war, Morse became the first superintendent of the Nashville Armory in Nashville, Tennessee. Here he began to tool-up to manufacture his new design carbine. He chose brass for the receiver because this non-ferrous metal could be casted and machined easier with semi-skilled labor. He started making parts in Nashville in until February 1862 when the city fell. His operation was transferred to Atlanta, Ga. where he worked with H. Marshall & Co., a sword manufacture. In an article in the Atlanta Daily Intelligencer, dated December 13,1862, Mr. Marshall presented and demonstrated the new Morse Carbine to the public. The article gave a complete description of the carbine and its new cartridge. The Atlanta production carbine was assembled from parts from the Nashville Armory and the H. Marshall & Co. The number of carbines produced in Atlanta is believed to be between 200 and 400. The highest serial number known for an Atlanta Carbine is serial #180. This carbine is identical to the Atlanta prototype carbine except for its brass floor-plate and serial number. Both carbines are .54 caliber and their measurements are the same. It appears that the large serial number carbines were from Atlanta production and the small serial number carbines were from the Greenville production. The lowest serial number carbine observed is #425. The serial range for the Atlanta production was between one and 200 to 400 and the Greenville production between 300 to 1025. The operating lever on the Atlanta carbine was one-piece brass and quite heavy. The bolt head which contained the firing pin was also one-piece brass. The action was only locked when the hammer was down in the fired position. Upon close examination after testing, it was found that improvements were necessary because the bolt face became eroded by the escaping gas from punctured caps. Also the brass bolt face had begun to set back. Another fault which had to be solved was a latch for the operating lever. When the gun was cocked and held up at a 45 degree or more angle, the breech would open and extract the chambered shell. Some of the early production carbines were recalled to the factory to have latches applied....

Anthony and Hills Pictorial History Confederate Longarms and Pistols

Also called the Greenville Armory, made and repaired weapons for South Carolina. Supervised by inventor George W. Morse, son of telegraph inventor Samuel Morse, designed the center-cartridge rifle. The plant made about 200 inside-lock muskets and 1,000 breech-loading carbines. These "Morse carbines" were produced for South Carolina state troops, not for regular Confederate forces.

Because raw materials, fuel and skilled labor were scarce, the State Military Works closed in late 1864. Although it made only about 1,200 weapons, the plant was significant. First, it was the state's only effort to produce badly-needed weapons during the war. Second, the Morse carbine, a breech loader, was one of the few technologically advanced weapons produced in the South.

.50 caliber, 20" round barrel, over-all length 39", slender brass frame, buttplate & nose cap. Fixed & notched iron rear sight. Front sight is small iron oblong block inlet into barrel with small brass block with blade sight inlet into iron block. Cleaning rod threads into round grooved brass tip & is locked into place as it contacts a stud affixed to bottom of the muzzle end of the barrel. A brass cleaning stud or jag is placed in the rear of the brass buttplate.

Sometimes the number of "Morse carbines" is stated as 7.000 perhaps an error.

http://homepage.hispeed.ch/american-arms/

Aiken Independent Mounted Infantry
Captain William F. Percival

Edgefield Advertiser
Wed., 25 January 1865.

For the Advertiser.
Camp near Mathew’s Bluff,
Barnwell Dist., Jan. 7th 1865.

Mr. Editor:

Last summer some of the citizens of Barnwell, Edgefield and Lexington Districts who were exempt from Confederate service, responding to the call of Gov. Bonham, organized a Company of Mounted Infantry for State Defence. When Sherman cut loose from his base and threatened Augusta, this Company was ordered to Hamburg. They promptly responded to the call, as the enemy advanced towards Savannah, and they were well employed in guarding the ferries and crossing places on the river, having gone within twelve miles of Savannah.

The Company now numbers about sixty members, and is armed with Morse’s Patent Breech Loading Carbine - one of the most effective and convenient weapons ever used by mounted men, weighing only eight pounds, and can be loaded and discharged five or eight times a minute.

The officers of the Company are as follows:

** ** Wm. F. Percival, of Aiken, Captain.
** ** ** ** W. M. Bostick, Barnwell District, 1st Lieutenant
** ** ** ** C. F. Benson, Barnwell District, 2nd Lieutenant
** ** ** ** J. Guignard, Richland District, 3rd Lieutentant

As Sherman now threatens to over run our State, it is hoped and expected that South Carolinians will not let him advance without at least making an effort to stop him. Such Companies as Capts. Percival’s and Frederick’s should be filled instantly, and others formed. General Garlington desires those who can mount themselves to join mounted companies in preference to the Infantry, as they can be made far more effective in watching the movement of the Yankees and retarding their progress.

If any should desire to join one of the Companies already formed, they should make early application, as these Companies are not allowed (not cannot arm) more than 100 men each.

http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/scsess63/scsess63.html

Page 47

****************In accordance with your resolution, I contracted for the manufacture of one thousand Morse's carbines. A part of them have been completed, and I regard them the best cavalry weapon in use. The compensation to Col. Morse has not been determined upon, and I recommend this matter to your consideration, as something more than the mere value of the article manufactured, it may be thought proper to allow.

MESSAGE No. 1 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Columbia, November 23, 1863.

M. L. BONHAM.