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 on the twist steel barrel, though the marking is VERY faint. The lock is still clearly marked with 12th BENGAL / IRREGULAR CAVALRY.

Unlike the examples we have seen from the Bengal Irregular Cavalry, this example has all "white metal" Nickel Alloy mounts, instead of brass. The carbine features the correct 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 barrel bears faint proof marks on the left side, and is also faintly marked H & S.. The condition is very good, though it does show use. It has been restored to look its best. The lock action is strong, and holds currently at half-cock, firing at full.

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: .67 inches 
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 21 inches
Overall Length: 37 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.