April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Manufactured 1855 to 1857 with approximately 2,000 made. Similar to the low production US type, 2,000 of these arms were made under contract to the British Government in 1855 for use in the Crimean War. The British Government eventually sold these as surplus, it is opined that approximately 200 survived. It is also the purveying opinion that a number of these were repurchased by the US during the Civil War but no evidence of such. Regardless, it is an extremely rare carbine and is included in the US carbine Civil War group. Features octagon to round barrel, dovetail front sight, ladder rear sight, Maynard patent priming system, double triggers. Rear trigger works the hammer. Upper tang is stamped "GREENES PATENT JUNE 27 1854". Top of barrel and frame have the crown proof. Action is stamped with the crown "VR" and is also stamped "MASS ARMS CO CHICOPEE FALLS USA 1856". Patchbox is stamped with crown proof. Right side of walnut stock has a "1". Bottom tang has saddle ring and stud. Bottom of trigger guard has crown proof. Bottom of frame and barrel are stamped "1230". CONDITION: This carbine must have seen little use; retaining at least 75% of the original blue finish blending with soft patina and a few age freckles. Traces of case colors on action. 70% original blue on buttplate which also has crown proof. Walnut stock is excellent with a few of the usual minor handling marks. Near mint, shiny three groove barrel.