The U.S. Army ordered 200 of these "short frame" Perry carbines with saddle rings in 1855, with only an estimated 25 manufactured and none believed to have been delivered for the order for unknown reasons, according to "Flayderman's Guide" (9th Edition, 9B-083). In 1856, the U.S. Navy ordered 150 of the "long frame" Perry carbines without saddle rings, of which only 50 of those were accepted. This U.S. Army type "short frame" carbine is based on the designs of Alonzo D. Perry. "PATENT/PENDING/A. D. PERRY/1854" marked on top of the breech area of the receiver, with number "2" marked on the concealed front surface of the frame and rear surface of the walnut forearm. This "short frame" Perry has a different type of shorter breech block than the typical Perry carbines witnessed, of which there were an estimated 1,500 made in various configurations. It has a loading cutout in the frame, and the breech block closes behind cartridges rather than loading a paper cartridge into the breech block like the other Perry firearms. The left side of the frame has a saddle bar and ring. The barrel has a dovetail mounted blade front sight and notch rear sight, with a small filled in dovetail on top of the breech area from a previous rear sight mounting location, which appears to be of factory quality. The buttstock has a false patchbox, which when opened allows removal from the rear of a spring-loaded tube that holds percussion caps, which automatically feeds to the percussion nipple.

Very good, retains traces of original blue finish concentrated in protected areas, with mostly brown patina on the iron, some scattered patches of light pitting, and legible markings. Wood is also very good with scattered dents and scratches, a few minor cracks and a chip at the bottom rear of the forearm, a few minor cracks behind the upper and lower tangs, and defined edges. Mechanically fine. This rare U.S. Army type "short frame" Perry carbine would make an outstanding addition in any advanced U.S. military firearms collection!