GR-1225-6733,  British Pattern 1856 Cavalry Carbine.  The .577 bore and rifled.  The gun is a compact, muzzleloading percussion firearm with a 21” barrel with the service standard .577” rifled bore. The carbine closely resembled the Pattern 1853 Rifle Musket that it was patterned after, with a blued barrel and barrel bands, color casehardened lock and brass furniture. The ramrod was of the captive design, mounted to stud under the barrel, near the muzzle, with a pair of swiveling arms. The rear sight was of the same pattern used on the Pattern 1853 Artillery Carbine and consisted of a fixed 100-yard notch and two folding leaves graduated for 200 and 300 yards, respectively. The carbine is 37” in overall length, and included an iron sling bar opposite the lock, secured to the stock with iron side nail cups that also secured the lock mounting screws.  

 The example of a Commercial British Pattern 1856 Cavalry Carbine is in about VERY GOOD condition. The lock is crisply and clearly marked with the usual British {CROWN} to the rear of the hammer, without the “VR” that would be indicative of British military ownership. The lock is marked :BARNETT/LONDON and with proof  in front of the hammer.  There are no British military ownership or inspection marks on the lock of the carbine. 

Overall, this is a very good example of a Commercial British Pattern 1856 Cavalry Carbine. There exists moderate pitting around the bolster and the barrel breech.  The stock was cleaned at some point, there are traces of markings in the wood on the bottom comb just behind the back of the trigger-guard but nothing definitive that can be made out. If I run my fingers across that part of the wood I can even feel a flat spot where someone sanded the wood down slightly. It is really too bad, the gun is almost certainly a confederate used gun but someone, a while ago cleaned all the markings off of the wood.  The bore is dark with spots, and light pits near the muzzle. Rifling is worn but visible. Good bore. The gun shows some real world use as well as some light firing wear, but still retains a decent bore. This carbine would be a nice addition to any collection of Civil War import arms and would be particularly appropriate for a Confederate cavalry display.  These carbines are uncommon and relatively difficult to find. When they have concrete correct confederate markings are they bring a lot of money.

Est. Retail Value: $2200