Historically desirable firearm for Civil War collectors. Designer, Ambrose E. Burnside, was to become a well- known Union general. Rifle, of which there were four distinct models, was used quite extensively in Civil War. This carbine was manufactured first by Bristol Firearms Co., which made entire production of first model and also some of second model. In 1862 Burnside Firearms Co. was formed. They produced remainder of second models and all third and fourth models. Production ceased entirely in 1865.