FIRST PRODUCTION, Victorian British Army In India Pattern 1858 / 67 Bengal Light Cavalry Enfield Tower .656 Calibre, Smooth Bore, Percussion Carbine With 1858 Dated Action, Saddle Bar, Ring, Inlaid Stock Disc ‘J. Fort’. Sn 15270 FIRST PRODUCTION, Victorian British Army In India Pattern 1858 / 67 Bengal Light Cavalry Enfield Tower .656 Calibre, Smooth Bore, Percussion Carbine With 1858 Dated Action, Saddle Bar, Ring, Inlaid Stock Disc ‘J. Fort’. Sn 15270 Muzzleloader None Rifles

Enfield Pattern 1853 cavalry carbines were used by the British army In India. By 1866 the stock of Tower P 53’s became diminished and conditions in India called for another issue of smooth bore carbines resulting in production of the ‘Bengal Light Cavalry Carbine’ . The Tower made Enfield 'Bengal Native Cavalry Carbine' were sealed by the ordnance on 22nd February 1867, under order number 57/16/2224/2263. (see C H Roads page113). The first production of 8000 Carbines used lock plates that were available from store, most if not all dated 1858. The 'Bengal Native Cavalry carbine' is smoothbore and .656 calibre. Known as the the P58-67 it has a two piece butt plate with 'chequering' between. This original Carbine has a two piece Butt Plate and 1858 dated lock which identifies it as a 'Bengal Native Cavalry Carbine’. The carbines were generally of superior quality to the P 53’s. This original Pattern 1858 / 67 Bengal Light Cavalry Carbine has the correct butt with brass edge caps and central exposed wood cross hatch chequering. It is in excellent condition throughout. It has all original walnut stock and original finish to the metal work. It has a heavy military percussion hammer and the lock plate is crisply stamped Crown VR (Victoria Regina) & 'Tower’ (Enfield) together with inspection mark and 1858 date indicating it was one of the first production Bengal light cavalry carbines. Its 21" barrel (37” overall) has a smooth bore which has staining and residue consistent with age. The top of the barrel is stamped with Victorian proof/inspection mark and number ‘53’. It has a fixed ‘v’ notch plate rear sight and block & blade fore sight. It has the correct under barrel captive swivel steel ramrod. The carbine also has brass fore end block & trigger guard. It is complete with correct steel saddle bar & ring. The stock is inlaid with brass disc stamped ‘J. Fort’ (most likely a Cavalry Station or armoury designation) and weapon number ‘230’. There is also an impressed Enfield roundel and faint impressed matching number ‘230’. It cocks & dry fires perfectly. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique percussion carbine no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 15270