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Antique British P-1853 Perc. Cavalry Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:350.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Antique British P-1853 Perc. Cavalry Carbine
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Antique British P-1853 Percussion Cavalry Carbine, altered to Breechloading Cartridge Carbine utilizing the Snider Patent, NVSN, .577 Boxer CF cal., 19.25'' round barrel with block-blade front and adjustable leaf rear sights marked with numerous proofmarks and ''25'' at left breech, ''C98'' at right; steel receiver is marked ''Snider/Patent'' at top of breech, the right-hinged steel breechblock is marked ''B.S.A. Co.'' (British Small Arms Co.) outside and ''150.'' inside; flat lockplate is marked ''B.S.A. & MC Co./1875'' ahead of the hammer and with a large crown over ''G.P'' behind; brass triggerguard (marked ''PA'' in tiny letters on front tang) with steel rear extension mounted with a sling ring; brass buttplate (marked ''PA'' in tiny letters on top tang) with hinged door opening to trap in butt containing two-piece steel cleaning rod (present); single iron barrel band; two sideplate screws with brass ''eared'' escutcheons. Condition is very good, the steel parts having an overall smooth gunmetal gray patina with scattered discoloration and light surface rust on side of receiver and rear tang (will easily clean off); the brass with a soft age patina. Nicely-grained English walnut stock is solid and smooth with a few minor handling marks and what appears to be a half-inch cross carved into the right side. A russet leather flap retained by two screws has been added to cover the rear sight, perhaps to prevent its catching on a saddle scabbard. Action is smooth and tight; bore is bright with sharp rifling. This simple yet brilliant hinged breechblock conversion, invented by American Jacob Snider, was widely used until the advent of the Martini-Henry action in the mid-1870s. Est.: $700-$1,000. (Antique)