Original British East India Company 12th Irregular Cavalry Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine with Nickel Mounts Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Featured on page 507 of David Harding’s wonderful work SMALLARMS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY, VOLUME 2, this model was ordered by the Commanding Officer, Captain W. C. Alexander in 1851 for the Irregular Bengal Cavalry. They were supplied by the London Gun maker GARDEN, 200, PICCADILLY, LONDON, which appears on the twist steel barrel, though the marking is faint. The lock is still faintly marked with 12th BENGAL / IRREGULAR CAVALRY.

Unlike the examples we have seen from the Bengal Irregular Cavalry, this example has all”white metal” Nickel Alloy mounts, instead of brass. The carbine features the correct swivel-trapped ramrod for use while mounted. The left side bears a saddle bar on which a single ring floats for attachment to the Cavalry Trooper’s body sling. If dropped the weapon would then just dangle at the rider’s side.

The barrel bears faint proof marks on the left side, and is also faintly marked H & S.. The condition is very good, though it does show use. It has been restored to look its best. The lock action is strong, and holds currently at half-cock, firing at full. There is a piece of leather wrapped around the wrist, but we do not know if this is to help with gripping the weapon, or to cover some type of damage.

Recovered from our Nepalese cache purchase of 2003 this Regiment, the XIII Bengal Irregular Cavalry were among those units than mutinied in 1857 and later fled to Nepal only to be disarmed upon entry. By Treaty agreement with the British, the Nepalese were allowed to keep these seized arms but were required to hang the mutineers.

In truth, they were disarmed but the soldiers were permitted residence within Nepal thereafter explaining today’s large Indian ethnic population there today alongside the traditional Gurkhas.

This is a very rare Carbine cleaned to fine display condition and easily researchable.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1851
Caliber: .67 inches 
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 21 inches
Overall Length: 37 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.