December 16, 17, & 18, 2020 Field & Range Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2020
Double barrel percussion smoothbore carbine by Barnett of London, engraved “Cape Cavalry” on the rib in script and marked “BARNETT LONDON” on both the back action locks. Browned Damascus patterned barrels with hooked breeches secured to the one-piece straight gripped smooth walnut stock with a single wedge. Mounted with a 5 - 1/2” sling bar with 1 - 3/8” sling ring. Captive swivel ramrod with large palm disc. Brass furniture includes the buttplate, which is numbered “24/12”, large scroll shaped trigger guard and screw secured forend cap. Matching mating mark of two file slashes throughout on all major parts. No rear sight, bead front sight. This pattern of percussion carbine was based on Pattern of 1839 Irish Constabulary Carbine but was in musket bore rather than carbine bore and did not include a bayonet mounting bar. These guns saw use with the Cape Cavalry of South Africa during the mid 1830s-1840s. These were transitional guns from the Pattern of 1822 double barreled flintlock carbine and the Pattern of 1853 double barreled rifled carbine. Few examples exist with British Board of Ordnance marks, suggesting that most were acquired privately and many probably saw use with various South African militia units in addition to the Cape Cavalry. This example bears no Board of Ordnance markings and shows minimal markings under the barrel, indicating a commercial example that may have been assembled in South Africa using some imported parts, as the expected British commercial proof marks are not present above or below the barrels. An interesting and unique British double barrel carbine not often seen for sale in the US. CONDITION: Very good, with the barrels retaining some strong traces of old Damascus patterning as well as some thinned and dulling brown on their exteriors with more pattern and richer brown underneath where the stock has protected the finish. Metal is mostly smooth with some scattered patches of minor surface oxidation and light. All markings remain clear, locks remain mechanically functional. Smooth bores with moderate oxidation and some scattered light pitting. Brass with a medium bronze patina. Swivel ramrod functional with replaced palm disc and opposite end not threaded for implements. Stock lightly sanded with scattered bumps, dings and mars but solid and free of any breaks or repairs. A thin old coat of Cosmoline covers much of the gun. TP
Item Dimensions: L - 43"
Gauge
12 Bore / .74 Caliber
Model
Cape Cavalry Carbine