I also have a Burnside, Burnside Rifle Co. Providence RI, Burnside Patent March 25th 1856 #25515 It was given to my Dad by a veteran when they moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, probably in the early 20's. He was also given an original cartridge, which he fired.
My Dad wouldn't let me get anything that couldn't be shot. I remember going to Gun Shows that were held in our school gym on Saturdays several times a year. I had a paper route and had saved money to buy a Civil War rifle or carbine, but he wouldn't let me unless it could be shot. Spencer's for $20, Sharps for $25, Hall's for about the same prices and Jenks, Starr and others. Couldn't get them because, " you can't shoot them, so no sense in having them".