Original Item: Only One Available. This is a magnificent example of the very rare Greene Patent breech loading carbine. Mostly known for his early breech loading design involving an "underhammer" percussion cap, Lt. Colonel James D. Greene of Cambridge, Massachusetts also developed other early breech loading designs. One of these was this system, which utilized a breech that locked closed using two lugs 180 degrees apart, which had a barrel that would rotate 90 degrees to lock the breech closed. The carbines feature "double triggers", with the forward trigger serving to unlock the breech, allowing it to rotate, slide forward, and then rotate to the right side for cleaning and reloading.

The ignition system for the carbine utilizes a Maynard Tape Primer system linked to a standard percussion lock. The cap nipple cone feeds to a channel that goes to a needle in the rear of the breech, which is hollow to allow passage of the ignition charge. The carbine was intended to use sealed nitrated paper or linen cartridges, which contained both the propellant charge and the bullet. This definitely would prove somewhat faster to reload than the standard muzzle loading carbines, and Greene submitted his design to the U.S. Ordnance department for review, demonstrating the carbine on Christmas Eve, 1854.

The carbine received mixed reviews, however the U.S. military was interested enough to order 200 carbines, equipped with brass hardware and 22 inch .54" caliber barrels. These were reviewed for the next few years, but unfortunately the issues found with the design were enough that the design was not explored further. Thankfully, at the same time that his carbine was being evaluated for U.S. use, Greene also sought out foreign contracts, and one country that was in particular need of long arms was Great Britain, where a contract for carbines with 18 inch barrels and all iron hardware was secured.

This is one of only about 2,000 examples made by the Massachusetts Arms Company during 1855-1857, almost all of which were for the British Contract. These were intended for possible use in the Crimean war, but as with the P-1853 Enfield Rifles being made by Robbins & Lawrence, the war ended sooner than anticipated, resulting in weapons that were no longer needed.

Fortunately, the number produced by Massachusetts Arms was not excessive, and with the close relationship they had with Robert Adams of London Armoury Co., they were able to convince the British military to purchase the carbines. However, without any real suitable source for the ammunition that they used, the carbines were never really put into service, with most staying in "mothballs" until 1865, after which attempts to develop ammunition were abandoned. After this most of the carbines were destroyed, with only some 200 in total being "sold out of service", which makes this an exceedingly rare carbine on the market!

There were also 40 or so that were either issued or sent out for testing, which apparently were issued to the Royal Devon Mounted Rifles, which we believe that this carbine is one of, based on the stock markings. This makes it even more rare!

The rear of the lock plate has the correct manufacturers marking from Massachusetts Arms Co.:

MASS. ARMS CO
CHICOPEE FALLS
U.S.A. 1856

To the right of this it is marked with the CROWN / V × R Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria, indicating that it was intended for British military service. There are also CROWN / A / 2 and CROWN / A / 5 inspection stamps on various components.

Additionally, the Maynard tape primer is marked on the cover with the patent information:

MAYNARD’S PATENT

SEP. 22. 1845

The tang of the barrel breech has the information for Lt. Colonel James D. Greene's patented breech loading system:

GREENE’S PATENT
JUNE 27, 1854

The carbine is marked on the bottom of the 16-sided part of the barrel that is grasped to open the breech is marked with serial number 824. This same number is stamped on the back of the barrel breech ,and on the underside of the receiver end of the locking breech.

This is however not the end of the markings, as there is also a clear RDMR stamp above the patch box on the butt stock, with a C / 7 regimental or rack number above it. This confirms that it is one of just 40 carbines issued to the Royal Devon Mounted Rifles, one of the very few that saw confirmed British service. next to this is a number 1 in a different font and orientation, which is the Board of Ordnance 1st Class stamp and appears on all the British Greene Carbines. The left side of the barrel is marked with an S next to "Opposed Broad Arrows", which is the marking added when an arm is "Sold Out of Service" by the British army. Definitely some great research potential with this rare carbine!

The carbine was completely professionally refinished, which was very tastefully done, resulting in minimal wear to the markings. It had a lovely deep blue applied to the barrel, breech, and other components, while the lock, hammer, and tape primer system have a lovely case hardened finish. The butt stock is beautiful, showing some fantastic grain, as well as areas of "curl" that flip flop in the light. The trigger guard, patch box, and butt plate have a lovely deep cherry red color from the refinishing.

The carbine is fully functional as best we can tell. The front trigger allows the breech to be unlocked, after which turning the barrel counter-clockwise unlocks the breech, allowing the barrel to be pulled forward and then moved to the right for reloading. The barrel wedge is relatively easily removed, which allows the barrel to be completely removed for cleaning and inspection of the cartridge needle. The lock is fully functional, and the tape primer system is still linked to the hammer, so we assume that it would still work correctly. We checked the bore, and it really is in great shape, showing a bright finish with crisp three groove rifling. The original machining marks are still readily apparent as well, with just a few minor spots of oxidation.

A fantastic looking example of a very rare mid 19th Century carbine, made for the British military in the U.S., utilizing a very interesting early lug locking breech system and tape primer. A very interesting step in the evolution of breech loading firearms, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1855-1857
Caliber: .55"
Cartridge Type: Minié Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 18 Inches
Overall Length: 34 ½ Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Breech Loaded

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