British, Military, BSA Made, Government Contract, Pattern 1861 5 Groove Rifled Cavalry Carbine. Sn - 21837 British, Military, BSA Made, Government Contract, Pattern 1861 5 Groove Rifled Cavalry Carbine. Sn - 21837 Muzzleloader .577 Rifles

This is a BSA, Birmingham made, Government contract, 5 groove Pattern 1861 rifled cavalry carbine. The percussion cavalry carbine is quite scarce as most were put into store and converted to the Snider breech loading system. The carbine was the last of the Enfield percussion muzzle cavalry carbines and was approved in October 1861. The carbine received the new 5 groove rifling off the P 58 naval rifle with a rapid pitch and progressive depth rifling. The carbine also received a pair of Baddley barrel bands and a short ladder rearsight graduated to 600 yards. In May 1862, a leather rearsight cover was approved held on by screws to the forend. The carbine has a 21 inch barrel with an overall length of 37 inches. The carbine is in excellent condition and has two feint roundels on the stock and a I for class one weapons. The plain lockplate is of the standard Enfield pattern with the Board of Ordnance stamp on it. The leather sight cover is also in excellent condition with an Enfield stamp and a crowfoot on it. The carbine retains its steel saddle bar and ring and its original brass fittings. The action cocks and dry fires and the woodwork has minor bumps and knocks with service use. The bore is clean with 5 groove rifling. See pages 52 & 53 British Military Longarms 1815-1865 by D.W. Bailey, British Military Firearms 1650-1850 by Howard l. Blackmore, also RB 39 on page 6, Catalogue of the Enfield Pattern Room, British Rifles, published by Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. The price includes UK delivery. As an antique rifle no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 21837