Original British East India Company 13th Irregular Cavalry Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine with Leather Grip Wrap

Original Item: Only One Available. Featured on page 507 of David Harding's wonderful work SMALLARMS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY, VOLUME 2, this model was ordered by the Commanding Officer, Captain W. C. Alexander in 1851 for the Irregular Bengal Cavalry. They were supplied by the London Gun maker GARDEN, 200, PICCADILLY, LONDON, which appears clearly on the twist steel barrel. The lock is still clearly marked with XIIIth BENGAL / IRREGULAR CAVALRY.

The mounts are brass and the carbine features a swivel-trapped ramrod for use while mounted. The left side bears a saddle bar on which a single ring floats for attachment to the Cavalry Trooper's body sling. If dropped the weapon would then just dangle at the rider's side.

The condition is very good, though it does show use, and has been restored to look its best. The stock has a lovely color, and the butt stock area actually shows some great "flame" figuring on both dies. It still has the front sling swivel present, and there is almost all of the original leather grip wrapping still present, which is often completely removed. This wrapping is actually placed UNDER the trigger guard to keep it on, as is correct. The lock action is strong, and holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, though it can be a bit finicky at times.

Recovered from our Nepalese cache purchase of 2003 this Regiment, the XIII Bengal Irregular Cavalry were among those units that mutinied in 1857 and later fled to Nepal only to be disarmed upon entry. By Treaty agreement with the British, the Nepalese were allowed to keep these seized arms but were required to hang the mutineers.

In truth, they were disarmed but the soldiers were permitted residence within Nepal thereafter explaining today's large Indian ethnic population there today alongside the traditional Gurkhas.

This is a very rare Carbine cleaned to fine display condition and easily researchable.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1851
Caliber: .72 inches 
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 21 inches
Overall Length: 36 37/8 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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