AR809 - Greene's 1856 British Army Trials breech loading capping carbine.
A Greene’s patent breech loading capping carbine, number 514. This percussion capping carbine (for combustible cartridge) carbine is one only of 2000 purchased in America after extensive trials by the British military. After trials and withdrawal from service, a quantity were issued in 1865 to select yeomanry regiments, including Devon yeomanry; this is one of those that was retained and not further issued.
 
It is fitted with the Maynards Tape primer ignition, which was one for the features that impressed the Board of Ordnance and the trials cavalry units.
 
The 19” blued barrel is fitted with ramp and ladder rear sights, stamped with a Crown over A2, the British military inspector in America stamp; it has a colour case hardened back action lock with pivoting Maynard's Patent tape primer cover, the lockplate stamped with a crown over VR and MASS ARMS CO. CHICOPEE FALLS USA 1856. The iron mounted walnut butt is fitted with patchbox (with inspection stamps) to the right hand side. The top-tang is marked 'GREENE'S PATENT’ over ‘JUNE 27 1854'
 
This .55” Greene's patent capping breech-loading carbine( signed Massachusetts Arms Co.), is one of the only 2000 commissioned for troop trials. The inventor, U.S. Colonel James Durrell Greene, offered his design to the British military in summer 1855, with initial testing of his design at the Hythe school of Musketry during October to December 1855. Notably successful throughout the Hythe testing, the Maynard Tape Priming system had been particularly well received (this version of the Maynards Tape primer is the rotary type rather than the push type).
 
An order was placed with the Massachusetts Arms Co., of Chicopee Falls, USA in late 1855 for 2000 for issue and extended troop trials, with all delivered by March 1858. British manufacturers were otherwise engaged with production of the percussion Enfield hence the use of US manufacturers to fulfil urgent supply needs for arms at a time of war with Russia and unrest in India and the burgeoning Empire. This example is serial number 514, and correctly dated for 1856. It has correct British inspection marks and is Sold out of Service stamped.
 
A small number were taken into US Federal service. A quantity were bought-back into Federal service for issue during the Civil War.
 
The large trigger-guard has two triggers, the front unlocking the barrel for loading and the rear for discharge. To load, the front trigger is pulled and the tapering round 18in. barrel is rotated anti-clockwise to unlock the barrel from the receiver, which is then pulled forward and hinges to the right, for loading of the combustible cartridge.
 
The bore is bright and shiny with clear and sharp rifling and overall clean condition with sharp edges – it has not been taken down and refinished but has plenty of original although slightly faded, colour.