SERIAL 444. BARREL 23". CALIBER 45-70. It is estimated that less than 500 of these military style carbines were ever made from 1878-1882 in several different styles, some with two bands as well as bayonet lugs. This single band carbine is extremely rare. Made by Andrew Burgess using the Morse patent. This is a 1st model , military type carbine that features the single barrel band with iron forearm tip, saddle ring and stud, military style folding leaf rear sight, nearly full length walnut forearm, walnut butt stock, rifle butt plate, S-lever, side loading. Barrel is stamped "G.W.MORSE 1856". Tang is stamped A. BURGESS with 1873 patent date. Caliber is stamped on barrel breech This carbine is identical to the 15 carbines in the Olsen list that were initially used by the Missouri State Militia, then transferred to the Missouri State Penitentiary upon its opening in 1903 but 444 is not a listed number. CONDITION. This is one of the finest known examples of this type that has come to market in the last ten years or more. The loading gate retains nearly all the peacock bright nitre blue finish. The frame retains areas of bright blue having mostly turned to butter smooth patina. The barrel is a smooth blue brown patina mix with razer sharp barrel legends. Stocks are superb, proud to metal, retaining nearly all the finish with minor impressions. The trapdoor butt retains a metal four piece cleaning rod. Bore is mirror bright. ANTIQUE DB