Description

P1856 Cavalry Carbine, London made and marked TOWER 1861 on lock plate. 21 inch barrel, 36 3/4 inches overall length .577 calibre muzzle loading, percussion rifle. Complete with original captive swivel ramrod. There is no evidence of a cavalry sling bar and ring ever having been installed on this rifle. British proofs on barrel and stock show this arm started life in British military service but may very well have been surplussed and sold to Confederate forces in the US Civil War. Stock is marked with dealer, exporter or importer name CHADWICK. The name BOND is also marked on the bottom of the butt stock just behind the trigger guard proof marks. E.P. Bond was a Confederate importer but only the name BOND appears on this rifle. There are no other Confederate markings visible so impossible to claim this is a Confederate imported rifle. Overall condition is very good with rear sight complete including the two folding sight leaves for 200 and 300 yards. Captive ramrod is complete as is the swivel mechanism but there is a tiny crack in one mounting arm. Bore is very good condition, bright with rifling clearly visible. Hammer cocks and releases crisply. A very interesting and researchable example of this uncommon carbine. US collectors can have this shipped directly to their home addresses without import permit.