Finally, after wanting one of these for many years, I've acquired an original North West Mounted Police Winchester Model 1876 saddle ring carbine in 45-75. This particular carbine was received in the warehouse on May 17, 1882 and shipped the very next day. It letters with 'Good quality' wood, Spanish meter rear sights, and 'large shank' (beefed up receiver where the barrel screws in - apparently, the Mounties put their carbines to hard use and the standard factory carbines broke where the barrel screwed into the receiver, so they requested a 'large shank'). It also has the NWMP cartouche visible on the right side of the buttstock. It is in completely original, honest condition. Two inventories were done in the 1890's, one in 1894 and the other in 1897, and both of them show this carbine on charge to 'C' division of the NWMP at Fort Battleford. We can infer from that, that it was likely originally issued to the NWMP stationed at this fort in 1882. The interesting thing is that there was a major battle in 1885 near the fort during the North West Rebellion, in which the Mounties stationed at Fort Battleford took part, so it is likely that this carbine participated in the Battle of Cutknife, against Chief Poundmaker and the Cree. The Cree gave them a pounding and sent the Canadian Militia and NWMP back to the fort, fortunate to be alive. Some historians believe that they would have been wiped out, had not Chief Poundmaker kept his warriors from finishing them off as they retreated back to the fort. The average NWMP travelled approximately 1,000 miles per year on horseback while on patrol with their carbines.
I have to say that I am thrilled to own this piece of western Canadian history, and have passed through the Battleford/Cutknife area more times than I can remember.
I have to say that I am thrilled to own this piece of western Canadian history, and have passed through the Battleford/Cutknife area more times than I can remember.
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