British 1857 Tower Percussion Artillery Carbine

Description

The 1850’s were a time of change in British weapon design. At the beginning of the decade both artillery and cavalry used a variety of weapons, mostly smoothbore of the larger calibers popular in Europe at the time. In 1853 the Enfield P1853 rifled musket was introduced in .577 caliber, followed by the P1856 Cavalry Carbine of the same caliber. This example looks very similar to the P1856 carbine, but has a 21” .66 caliber smoothbore barrel and has sling swivels rather than the saddle bar and ring, yet differs from earlier carbines of the same caliber. The lockplate is stamped with a crown over VR Victorain cypher behind the hammer and “1857/TOWER” in front of the hammer. Walnut full stock with brass trigger guard, fore end cap, and butt plate; two iron barrel bands and iron swivel ramrod. The barrel is profusely stamped with arsenal and inspection markings at the breech; fixed notch rear sight and fixed blade front sight. The brass mounts are marked in Sanskrit(?), denoting service in India. Metal with scattered pitting; the markings mostly sharp and clear. Brass has been cleaned at some point. Stock showing typical wear and handling, with a 2” crack on the left side of the butt. Mechanically excellent. Carbines of this type were carried by Confederate troops, when available.
Overall length 36 5/8”.