1895 Lee Metford Cavalry Carbine MkI

[tplumtree]

Hey guys, I picked this little gem up at the Chilliwack gun show. The markings and general layout indicate that it is an unmolested 1895 Lee Metford Cavalry Carbine Mk I. The carbine is numbers matching with the magazine cut-off, D-ring, chain link on the magazine and carbine nose. The bore is worn but not pitted and there is no cleaning rod.

Here's were I could really use some help from the experts. The regimental disk is marked "RCA" which indicates that it may have served with the Royal Canadian Artillery (Regiment 15 maybe?). I've read that only 500 of these were brought into Canada, but would like to find out for sure if that's accurate. Is there any way of knowing if it served over seas? How many of these are likely to have survived in original configuration? I would greatly appreciate it if those much more knowledgeable than me could explain a bit of its history and provide any other useful information. Thanks!

 

[fraserdw]

We didn't have 15 regt back then. More likely it's rack number.

 

[JTF#]

wow love it! looks complete. is it in good shooting shape?

 

[themouser]

I saw that at the gun show soon as I walked in. I was really thinking about it but a little outside my expertise so decided not to. Like u said the bore was really the only negative. I see PS Militaria has one for a lot more than that was selling and the end of the bore is chopped.

 

[kjohn]

Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! That is one nifty old rifle. Untouched yet! Thanks for posting those pics.

 

[Nabs]

Wow, nice. Looks like she was sold out of service at some point, probably when SMLEs became more available.

 

[5THBATT]

The bore may not be too bad, Metford rifleling is like gentle hills & valleys compared to Enfield's lands & grooves & tend to look like a worn barrel.
Looks to be a very nice score, they are pretty rare especially with matching numbers & a intact D ring, well done.

 

[John Sukey]

You are correct in that it is Royal Canadian Artillery

 

[HarryD]

Very nice, well done.

 

[B_noser]

Very nice carbine. I think you will find the rack # is the 234 or 284 stamped on the butt. Rack # 177 was issued to R.C.A. Field Battery # 8, which I believe was stationed in Gananoque, Ont in 1895. It will be interesting to discover the significance of the "15" on the regimental disc.

 

[tplumtree]

Thanks for the general comments so far gents. If anyone can recommend a book that might unlock this little carbine's Canadian history I'd really appreciate it!

 

[Greenfields]

I hate you. With every fiber of my jealous Lee Enfield loving ass.

Nice find!

 

[woodchopper]

very nice find...


mine was worked over by bubba

 

[moonshot5]

Amazing rifle.

 

[englishman_ca]

Very nice carbine. I think you will find the rack # is the 234 or 284 stamped on the butt. Rack # 177 was issued to R.C.A. Field Battery # 8, which I believe was stationed in Gananoque, Ont in 1895. It will be interesting to discover the significance of the "15" on the regimental disc.

B_noser. Nice little tidbit of information. RCA Field Battery 8 in Ganonoque? How do tell? I have an 1896 Lee Enfield carbine rack #33 marked to RCFA Battery E. They were mobilised in 1900 and saw action in S.Africa. If marked on a gun, could your 8 be an E?

 

[Jwan]

Hey there Mr. That's fantastic! What a score, early Canadian history at it's best! Pictures look great.

 

[bearhunter]

How on earth did you manage to tear that out of your son's grip of death long enough to take the pics???? The way he was holding onto it at the show, I thought it might just become part of him.

That rifle was a good deal. You beat me to it. I saw the fellow put it out but had a client at the table at the time. When I looked back, it was gone.

Glad it went to someone that appreciates it and at a very decent price.

Guys this man is a bandit.

 

[tplumtree]

Ha ha thanks Bearhunter. I was at a mutual friend's place this week scavenging his impressive milsurp collection for Enfields. He produced another Lee Metford carbine (parts gun but intact D-ring and other bits) and an LSA Long Lee Enfield sporter in excellent condition with full length barrel, matching numbers and ultra rare rear sight. Funny thing is I always thought of myself as a Mauser collector. Time to switch sides I think!

 

[Lespem1]

Wow!!! What a find, well done you lucky man

 

[B_noser]

B_noser. Nice little tidbit of information. RCA Field Battery 8 in Ganonoque? How do tell? I have an 1896 Lee Enfield carbine rack #33 marked to RCFA Battery E. They were mobilised in 1900 and saw action in S.Africa. If marked on a gun, could your 8 be an E?

englishman: I am by no means a military historian and welcome correction anywhere I might go astray.
I have LMC rack # 177 and have done a little research into it's history. My understanding is 500 LMC1s were delivered to Canada in 1895, and the first 200 of those went to R.N.W.M.P. Since my rack # 177 falls within the first 200, those issued to R.N.W.M.P would appear to have not been consecutive rack numbers. All of the Canadian LMC1s I have seen referenced have had serial numbers in the 5### range.

Subsequent deliveries of carbines to Canada were LEC1s and, as I recall, they were delivered in two lots starting in 1896.

The regimental disc on mine is stamped R.C.A. 8. A little research into the Royal Canadian Artillery indicated the only unit with an "8" designation in 1895 was Field Battery # 8, and they were stationed in Gananoque, Ont. in 1895. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of my conclusions, but do have a high degree of confidence. If my conclusions are inaccurate, I would welcome correction.