(A) RARE DUBLIN CASTLE ROYAL ARTILLERY CARBINE.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2026

A Revolutionary War Dublin Castle Royal Artillery Carbine. This is an exceedingly rare Artillery Carbine circa 1776 marked to the 3rd battalion of the Royal Artillery. Royal artillery units were armed with light carbines for defence of the batteries and trains. Elements of the 3rd battalion were joined with the 4th to create the Brigade of Artillery for British Forces in North America. The carbines were issued with a 9 round white leather cartridge box . This gun has a 37 inch .65 calibre barrel, without baluster molding and a Pattern 1777 Dublin Castle extra flat carbine lock, as also used on the Royal Foresters carbine. The barrel bears the well worn engraving “ROYL ARTILLERY”, “3 B” and a proof mark. It also has viewers' initials “I C”. In keeping with variations often observed in Dublin Castle guns, this example has an original unique side plate that is between the Royal Foresters 1776 pattern carbine side plate and 1745 Lord Loudon model. The stock is inletted for the plate. The musket has four ramrod pipes. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina with worn markings and pitting at breech. Lock retains a sark patina, markings excellent and in its original flintlock configuration. Cock screw likely an accurate replacement. Brass retains a mostly dark mustard patina. The topmost ramrod ferrule is a contemporary replacement along with several inches of wood to the second pipe. The three original pipes show wear from ramrod use. The last pipe has a spring to hold the later iron ramrod. The lock has been tightened during its period of use with two small square nails. A small piece replaced above front lock tang. The gun saw extensive use. By 1776 artillery troops in America were down to about 2/3rds of their carbines. The Pattern 1776, was rushed into production. It used a steel ramrod and furnished with an improved lock and an overall length of 52 1/8 in. The current example is probably from the earliest produced given the position of its proof marking on the barrel. A detachment from the 3rd Battalion fought at Saratoga and likely at most other battles in the revolution where British artillery played a significant role.

Name

Value

Barrel Length

37"

Caliber/Bore

.69 Smootbore

FFL Status

Antique

Manufacturer

Dublin Castle

Model

Royal Artillery Carbine