Original British East India Company Pattern 1851 Victoria Carbine – British Proofed Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original side lock Percussion British East India Company issue cavalry carbine introduced in 1851. It features a side-action lock with the EIC “Rampant Lion” logo, a plain barrel, and musket style stock and fittings. These were more substantially built than the earlier back action (Type 1) and side lock (Type 2) of the 1840s. These carbines were heavier grade with 26-inch barrels and were intended for use by British Army regulars. Retaining the trapped “swivel ramrod” system, these were much easier to load while on horseback. They were made both with and without a saddle bar and ring on the left side of the stock.

Close examination of the “Lion” on the lock and the quality of the hammer engraving shows this to definitely be a British produced example. It also has a partial CROWN / GP “Gunmaker’s Proof” and CROWN / V “viewed” marking from the London Gun company proof house, as well as some additional proofs. There is also what looks to be an Arabic marking on the left side of the barrel, so this carbine definitely looks to have had an interesting history.

Condition of the carbine shows that it saw long use, and the wooden stock is now quite dark. It retains the original “trapped” ramrod, however it does not quite go in all of the way. There is also some cracking and splintering of the stock right in front of the trigger guard, which is where the ramrod channel is, suggesting that something is stuck, inside, or that the retaining spoon may have completely rusted. Overall the carbine has a lovely patina, with a great dark plum color on the barrel and other iron metalwork. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

This is a classic firearm well illustrated and explained in David Hardin’s wonderful work AN INTRODUCTION TO EAST INDIA COMPANY SMALLARMS, shown on pages 106-107. This book explains the EIC version, of which this is a very typical example.

A very interesting Victorian era carbine, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1850s
Caliber: .75″
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 26 Inches
Overall Length: 41 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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.