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Massachusetts Arms Greene Patent British Type Breech Loading Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Massachusetts Arms Greene Patent British Type Breech Loading Carbine
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Estimate: $3250 - 4250
.This is an original example of a British contract Greene patent carbine. 2,000 of these carbines were made under contract to the British Government in 1855 to be used in the Crimean War. Evidently they saw little service and many were destroyed or scraped for parts. Its believed that some of the carbines may have been bought back by the U.S. during the Civil War. The upper tang is marked "GREENE'S PATENT/JUNE 27. 1854", the lock plate is marked "MASS ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS/U.S.A. 1856" next to a large British Crown over "V x R", and the primer cover is marked "MAYNARD'S PATENT/SEP. 22. 1845". The left side of the barrel has a double "British Broad Arrow" proof with a letter "S". The top of the barrel breech and frame have a British Crown over "A/2" and "A/5", respectively. Various parts are marked with British proofs. It has the correct iron patch box on the right side of the buttstock with a small "U.S." stamped on the left heel. On the underside of the buttstock directly behind the trigger guard are several British Crown acceptance proofs. Blade front, folding ladder rear sights and saddle ring mounted on the lower tang. Included with the carbine is a framed, Greene's carbine directions sheet.
BBL: 18 inch part round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 56 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 1689
Condition: Very fine. The barrel retains 60% plus original blue finish with some minor pitting on right side and the balance a mottled gray patina. The lock plate assembly retains 75% original bright case colors with areas faded to a smooth gray and the primer cover retains most of the bright original case colors. The buttplate has a smooth brown patina. The stock is also very good, with some minor storage dings. The markings are clear and crisp. Mechanically excellent. The directions sheet is very good, with some minor creasing and stains overall.