Super rare piece of early American military weapons history from the Bristol Fire Arm Company, which was founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside in 1855 and only existed in this form until going bankrupt in 1858.

Before his American Civil War heroics, Burnside served on the western frontier (taking an Apache arrow wound to his neck at one point) and was inspired to design a durable breech loading firearm for the American military. In 1856 his patent for the Burnside Carbine Rifle was issued and just two months later this letter came hot off of Burnside's desk.

The letter addresses critical production issues with the initial run of 1st Model Carbines. Burnside writes the Providence Forge & Nut Company (still in existence today as The Providence Tool Company):

Under such conditions, the Bristol Firearm Company only managed to produce 200-300 1st Model Carbines. Those rifles, however, managed to outperform 17 other designs in a West Point government performance test in 1857, winning Burnside a lucrative military contract of about $90,000. Sadly, the politics involved did not go in his favor and only a small portion of the contract was ever honored, leaving Burnside to file for bankruptcy after just a few years in business. Thankfully, his patent was later put back into production in time to furnish cavalrymen during the Civil War and served as one of the most reliable firearms in the North/South conflict. 

This historically significant letter is dated May 24th, 1856 and also bears the name of production manager G. P. Foster who contributed significant improvements to the subsequent models eventually used by the US Military.

It measures 8.5 x 10.25 inches, suitable for framing and would be a great addition to accompany an original Burnside Carbine on display.

Very Good Condition, with original fold creases and light age wear

Guaranteed Authentic, Please see images