Fine Modern & Antique Arms - July 2023 : Sale A0723 Lot 515
A .451 WESTLEY RICHARDS MONKEY TAIL CAPPING BREECH-LOADING CARBINE TO THE ROYAL GLOUCESTER HUSSARS, serial no. 196,

Product Details

A .451 WESTLEY RICHARDS MONKEY TAIL CAPPING BREECH-LOADING CARBINE TO THE ROYAL GLOUCESTER HUSSARS, serial no. 196,
circa 1861, with 20in barrel stamped with Birmingham proofs and marked at breech 'WHITWORTH PATENT', military style barleycorn front-sight and reversed Westley Richards pattern carbine ladder rear-sight, the breech lever stamped 'WESTLEY RICHARDS / PATENT' and numbered '196', the lock stamped with the makers name 'WESTLEY RICHARDS', iron mounted full walnut stock fitted with a side rib and ring, the buttcap tang stamped 'G.H. 1?' (Gloucester Hussars), metalwork refinished overall

Provenance: This is a very early Monkey Tail carbine and was one of 60 privately purchased by the Duke of Beaufort for the Royal Gloucester Hussars in 1861. They were to be issued at the rate of 6 per troop or 12 per squadron to the best shots only who were to act as skirmishers. For further information see The Capping Breech Loader in British & Colonial Military Service Vol. 2 by Brian C. Knapp



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Estimate £600-800