Original British Victorian Tower-Marked Rifled Saddle Ring Cavalry Percussion Carbine for the U.S. Civil War Export Market – dated 1862 Original Items

Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is the first one of these we’ve ever seen, and it did not originate FROM NEPAL or INDIA. This carbine was almost certainly sold by the Birmingham Gun makers guild AGAINST British Government policy. The lock is marked 1862 / TOWER, and there is a CROWN on the lock plate tail, however no V.R., indicating it was not a weapon for the British military, and instead was for private purchase or the booming export market. The barrel was never officially proofed, instead marked with faux proof markings of unknown design. More interesting is that it has been rifled, in the standard three groove pattern used with many P-1853 Enfield rifled muskets, as well as the American Springfield rifled muskets as well.

The overall design is very similar to the typical 1840s and 1850s style East India Company saddle ring carbines, which were already being made in Birmingham. This example was made there and then spirited out of England, most likely to the American South. The Confederacy in particular was always in need of quality arms, and went to great lengths to import them from England and elsewhere. Carbines such as these would be carried by Blockade Runners for the trip back to America, which hopefully were able to deliver their cargo.

The carbine is equipped with the standard EIC swivel-type “captured” ramrod assembly intended for use on horseback. The very fine unblemished Walnut full stock retains its all brass mounts and DOUBLE saddle ring mounts on the left hand side. The lock functions well, though the tumbler is worn and the full cock position is almost a hair trigger. We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish.

In very fine condition and never seen by us before. Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
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

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.