Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original side lock Percussion East India Company saddle ring cavalry carbine introduced in 1851. More substantially built than the earlier back action (Type 1) and side lock (Type 2) of the 1840s.
These are not to be confused with the individual Indian state’s Irregular Cavalry Carbines that were fitted with 21-inch barrels and were intended for the Sepoy cavalry.
These E.I.C. carbines were heavier grade with 26-inch barrels and were intended for use by Europeans. Retaining the trapped “swivel ramrod” system, these were much easier to load while on horseback.
This is a Classic EIC firearm well illustrated and explained in DAVID HARDINGS wonderful work
“SMALLARMS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY 1600 – 1856” See pages 234 – 236 that indicate the total production of the VICTORIA CARBINES was 6,970 from 1841 to 1851 of which ONLY 300 were the “type 3”, making this a rare example of a scarce issue firearm.
Nicely cleaned and offered in excellent condition with a tag noting internal markings of W. MILLWARD and POTTS both EIC arms contractors.