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Cosmopolitan Carbine

History of the World Carbine

The Cosmopolitan Carbine was a percussion-based carbine manufactured for the Union Army at the Cosmopolitan Arms Company factory during the American Civil War. The company is owned by Edward Gwyn and Abner C. Campbell and is headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio.

Most of these carbines were issued to the 5th and 6th Illinois Cavalry, and only about 1,140 were put into circulation, making them an extremely rare collectible today.

Externally, the Cosmopolitan carbine has a rather unique design form, especially considering the sleek "double ring" closing lever. Early production models (about 50 examples) fixed the locking latch of the breech in this ring. The latch allows access to the breech via a pivot that exposes the chamber to accept new cartridges. The wooden body (made of walnut) has an elegantly curved design that incorporates a straight grip and shoulder rest for a firm grip with both hands while shooting.

The barrel is apparently half the length of the gun and is octagonal with a reversible rear sight and front post. Optional open loops under the barrel and stock allow the use of shoulder straps for the convenience of soldiers on horseback. The carbine is for the .52 cartridge and is breech loaded, unlike the muzzle of similar assault rifle firearms. The hammer has been placed on the right side of the receiver for quick access. The butt plate at the end of the shaft is made of iron.

Barrel lengths range from 19" to 22" with a blue finish. These guns are marked "Cosmopolitan Arms Co.". The words "Hamilton O.U.S./Gross Patent" are printed on them, clearly identifying their provenance.

Cosmopolitans were ordered by the U.S. Department of Ordnance in December 1861 and deliveries began in July 1862. As mentioned above, the carbine was proliferated in the 5th and 6th Illinois Cavalry Regiments, and used with the 2nd Iowa Cavalry Regiment in the 1863 raid on Confederate troops in the South, which were outraged.

The raid was named the "Grillson Raid" after its commander, Colonel Benjamin Grierson. From enemy territory in Tennessee, his 1,700-strong task force moved across Mississippi and into Louisiana, wreaking havoc on targets of opportunity with utter aggression while strikingly reducing its own casualties. Cosmopolitans undoubtedly played a role in the subsequent success.

The raids took place between April 17 and May 2, 1863, during the Battle of Vicksburg, which culminated in Union control of a vital Mississippi River artery.

Gwyn & Campbell produced the Gwyn & Campbell "Vine" Carbine (also known as the "Joint Carbine") from 1859 to 1862. This carbine succeeded the Cosmopolitan, was also produced in the same factory and, like the Cosmopolitan before it, was widely used by the Combined Cavalry.