Original British East India Company 13th Irregular Bengal Cavalry Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine 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 London gun makers, and the lock is engraved XIIIth BENGAL / IRREGULAR CAVALRY.

The mounts are brass and the carbine features a swivel-trapped ramrod for use while mounted. The left side bears a saddle bar on which a two rings 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 proof marks on the left side. 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.

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: .59 inches 
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 21 inches
Overall Length: 36 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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