March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Factory letter indicates this carbine was shipped on June 11th, 1886 with no other information, indicating all standard features to include full round barrel, post front sight, 1876 dated ladder rear sight, blued finish, single barrel band with metal forend tip, case colored hammer and lever, walnut stocks, carbine butt and saddle ring with stud. Razor sharp legends. A large percentage of these scarce carbines were shipped to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This scarce British proofed example was probably shipped to England for use by British officers in their pursuit of tiger hunting while occupying India. The majority of these carbines, when they do surface, have seen heavy use. That is not the case with this example and was obviously well cared for throughout its life. Barrel retains 98% of the original factory blue with just some light age freckling. Overall, the frame also retains 85-90% of its original high polish blue finish with some naturally aged patina coming through the blue finish. The fire blued loading gate shows literally no wear retaining its brilliant color. Dust cover retains approximately 85-90% blue with some patina showing through. Brilliant case colors on hammer. Traces of case color on lever blending with dull grey appearance. Buttplate is a soft brown-grey patina. Barrel band retains 50% original blue. Nose cap has 20% blue with balance toned. All screw heads are near mint and untouched. Left side of barrel and top of chamber bear the British proof marks. Walnut stock and nearly full length forend are excellent, proud to metal, no cracks or chips, with a few of the usual bruises. Left side of stock has a small "59X" professionally stamped in center (British unit?). The brass lifter retains its rich, yellow untouched appearance and is stamped ".45-75", the second largest caliber offered in this rifle, behind the "Big .50". Fine action. Strong, clean rifled mirror bore. One of the finest examples of a British shipped '76 carbine one could hope for.