Lot 585:
Pattern 1857 Ordnance issue Sergeants of Native Infantry Short Rifle
Sold for: $475
Description
A Pattern 1857 Ordnance issue Sergeants of Native Infantry Short Rifle dated 1858. Very Rare in any condition; Tower lock; Afghanistan bring back (by the consignor); designed and was being built before the Indian/Sepoy Mutiny and as a result was kept back and not issued to native troops. When the natives were trusted with rifles again after about twenty years these muzzle-loading rifle series were issued to them but, of course, the European troops had Martini Henrys by then. For specific detail on this model see Roads, page 110/11. 10,000 were ordered, and no more were made. They will only bear the lock dates 1857 or 1858. The 1858 smoothbore version Skennerton mentions was part of the post Mutiny re-equipment of native troops with inferior smoothbores. It is just possible some of the rifled version were bored out which will make them even rarer. At least some of the rifles seem to have made it into Afghanistan judging by this example. “C Reeves & Co.” and “H Clive” under barrel stampz, Reeves: 3 Canal Street, Birmingham. 1854-85 setting-up contractor for the Board of Ordnance/War Department; Clive: 1838-69 was a specialist gun barrel maker and contractor to the B of O. His address was 94 Bagot Street. This mid-19th century military firearm is constructed with a dark wood stock, steel barrel and lock plate, and brass furniture including the trigger guard and buttplate. The lock plate is clearly marked with “1858” and “TOWER”, alongside a “VR” monogram beneath a crown, indicating a British military issue firearm from the Victoria Regina period. A faint circular cartouche is visible on the buttstock. The item is of antique materials.
Condition report:
The item exhibits significant age and use. Metal components show surface corrosion, pitting, and wear. The wooden stock displays numerous scratches, dents, and areas of finish loss. The nipple protector is present but lacks its cap.
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