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ITEM NUMBER: AM1024_SP
Mexican Whitney-Laidley Type Rolling Block Carbine
$750
Description
Details
Dimensions
19th-century Mexican single-shot carbine built on a Whitney-Laidley Type I–pattern rolling-block action. The receiver shows the distinctive interlocking pivot-pin arrangement associated with the Whitney-Laidley system, but no Whitney factory or patent markings are present. The 23-inch round barrel is marked “55” on top and “32” underneath; the significance of these numbers is unknown.
The short two-band configuration, barrel-band sling swivels, and lack of Whitney maker markings differ from the standard Whitney Mexican military rifle pattern and may indicate Spanish/Eibar manufacture, arsenal assembly, or a period rebuild. The exact maker therefore remains uncertain. The 7/16-inch bore measures approximately .4375 inch and is consistent with the .43 Spanish cartridge family, though chambering has not been independently confirmed.
Walnut stocks are fitted with unusual sheet-metal wrist reinforcement/decorative plates secured by brass tacks. These carry simple rocker-engraved zigzag decoration and applied brass motifs including a Mexican eagle, owl, stag, diamond, and rectangular devices. The plates may conceal or reinforce an earlier wrist break. Receiver markings include “R.M.” and “CHIH,” suggestive of Mexican government or Chihuahua association, though the latter interpretation remains unconfirmed.
Condition: Good, as altered/decorated and refinished. Metal surfaces show heavy brown patina, oxidation, and scattered pitting. Stocks exhibit substantial handling wear, dents, chipping at the wrist, and evidence of light sanding and possible revarnishing. Ramrod is missing. Exact age of the wrist plates and decorative appliqués is unknown.
Date: Circa 1870s–1880s
Specifications: 23-inch round steel barrel; 7/16-inch bore, approximately .43 caliber; single-shot Whitney-Laidley Type I–pattern action; walnut stock; two barrel bands; barrel-band sling swivels; “R.M.” and “CHIH” receiver markings; “55” barrel marking; “32” underside barrel marking; decorated wrist reinforcement plates; missing ramrod.
The short two-band configuration, barrel-band sling swivels, and lack of Whitney maker markings differ from the standard Whitney Mexican military rifle pattern and may indicate Spanish/Eibar manufacture, arsenal assembly, or a period rebuild. The exact maker therefore remains uncertain. The 7/16-inch bore measures approximately .4375 inch and is consistent with the .43 Spanish cartridge family, though chambering has not been independently confirmed.
Walnut stocks are fitted with unusual sheet-metal wrist reinforcement/decorative plates secured by brass tacks. These carry simple rocker-engraved zigzag decoration and applied brass motifs including a Mexican eagle, owl, stag, diamond, and rectangular devices. The plates may conceal or reinforce an earlier wrist break. Receiver markings include “R.M.” and “CHIH,” suggestive of Mexican government or Chihuahua association, though the latter interpretation remains unconfirmed.
Condition: Good, as altered/decorated and refinished. Metal surfaces show heavy brown patina, oxidation, and scattered pitting. Stocks exhibit substantial handling wear, dents, chipping at the wrist, and evidence of light sanding and possible revarnishing. Ramrod is missing. Exact age of the wrist plates and decorative appliqués is unknown.
Date: Circa 1870s–1880s
Specifications: 23-inch round steel barrel; 7/16-inch bore, approximately .43 caliber; single-shot Whitney-Laidley Type I–pattern action; walnut stock; two barrel bands; barrel-band sling swivels; “R.M.” and “CHIH” receiver markings; “55” barrel marking; “32” underside barrel marking; decorated wrist reinforcement plates; missing ramrod.
PERIOD: Late 19th CenturyORIGIN: Connecticut, United States
SIZE: Barrel Length - 23", Caliber - .43 Spanish
