Original British 1851 Bengal Irregular Saddle Ring Cavalry Carbine by W. Greener of London with Regiment Marking – Skinner’s Horse Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. According to David Harding wonderful work:- SMALL ARMS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY, 1600-1856 Volume TWO, pages 497/498, this percussion carbine was manufactured by W. Greener circa 1851 for “Skinner’s Horse”, part of the 1st. BENGAL IRREGULAR CAVALRY. Our example, as illustrated in Harding’s book, is marked W. GREENER on the lock plate and W. GREENER, LONDON on the barrel. On the barrel by the rear sight it is also marked with 15 / MIC / 1185. This most likely is the regimental designation within the “Madras Irregular Cavalry” or something to that effect. Removal of the barrel would most likely show additional markings.

The 38 ¼ inch long carbine has a 22 inch barrel with a swivel ramrod, and a saddle bar to the left side with a saddle ring and all brass mounts. This would have started life as .65 rifled carbine, however the barrel has been “smooth bored” to .75 caliber for use AFTER the Sepoy Rebellion, more commonly known as the Indian Mutiny of 1857 to 1859.

This came to us from our Nepalese Palace purchase of 2003, but bears no Nepalese or Indian script markings whatsoever. The carbine is in good condition, though does show age. The tumbler is worn, so the lock will fire at half cock with a strong trigger pull.

All Irregular Cavalry Carbines are rare but only 580 of these were these Greener Carbines were manufactured and delivered in 20 cases on the East Indiaman “KENT” and 21 cases on the “MONARCH” via Culcutta and were shipped via Allahabad to the unit at Lahore, all according to David Harding.

Included in the 55,000 firearms purchased in the Nepalese purchase only three of these were found. This example was recently re-acquired from the estate of a long-time IMA customer. Fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1851
Caliber: .75 inches 
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 38 ¼ inches
Action: Side Action Percussion
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.