Original British P-1847 East India Company 2nd Side Action Pattern Brunswick Rifle – Regiment Marked Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased from a private collection in England, this is a very nice East India Company P-1947 2nd Model Brunswick Percussion Rifle. These rifles were made for belted ball ammunition, first introduced in 1843 (See Small Arms of the East India Company 1600-1856 by David Harding, Volume 2 pages 182/183) by the East India Company. In 1847 the British Government adopted the same pattern. Once again private enterprise led the way for government modernization.

The previous P-1837 Brunswick rifles had featured a back action lock, however the move was made to standardize to side action locks, in use until the end of the percussion era in England. For further reading, see BRITISH MILITARY FIREARMS by Howard Blackmore Page 198, the extreme left of the photo.

This is a very rare and desirable rifle, bearing the British East India Company “Rampant Lion” marking on the lock plate. The rifle measures 46″ overall with a 30 1/4″ rifled barrel bearing British London Proofhouse CROWN / GP “Gunmakers” definitive black powder proof and CROWN / V viewed marks. There is another proof mark on the right side, which we cannot quite make out.

Features include a substantial flip-up two leaf back sight, all brass mounts, including large patch box and correct ramrod still in place. The bore still has the correct two groove rifling, which is still quite crisp, showing little use during service. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock, an firing at full. The metalwork is very good condition, with a lovely finish.

The wooden stock has a lovely color, but also shows wear and tear from long service. There are some repaired cracks and missing chunks, as well as what looks to be some past woodworm, now expertly filled. The left butt stock bears EIC regimental markings, which are still mostly clear. Both sling swivels are present, and all of the fittings are totally correct. A recent production replica sling has been fitted to the rifle.

2nd Pattern side action lock Brunswick rifles (P-1847) are much rarer than the back action 1st Pattern of 1837. Hastily discontinued after the introduction of the .577 caliber rifle musket in 1853, they were not made in large numbers, and many were subsequently broken down for parts, as the lock was compatible.

A great example of a rare British East India Company Percussion Rifle, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture:  circa 1848
Caliber: .75″ Belted Ball
Ammunition Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 46 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loader

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.