Some commentary;
.577 caliber.
Stamped (roundel) on stock R.H.side in circular frame: TOWER-LONDON/ 1861, crown over broad arrow with flanking initials 'W' and 'O'
The “1” under the stock roundel actually means that, following completion, the carbine was rated as a “First Class Arm" - although the result of that would generally mean that it would be most likely to be issued to a regular unit in the British Army , it would not preclude loan and/or sale to one of the self governing colonies, such as the various colonies in British North America.
The fact that the lockplate does bear a complete Royal Cypher (the crown over V.R.), the stock roundel is the official War Office Tower Armoury mark, and the various other broad arrow marks would confirm that this was indeed a carbine made under contract for the British Government, albeit with those markings it was clearly not made at Royal Small Arms Manufactory Enfield, but rather was produced by one of the independent contractors who also made such arms for the government - and who also were allowed to make other arms for private sale or export - e.g. to both the United and Confederated States during the ACW.
Thanks for any help.
.577 caliber.
Stamped (roundel) on stock R.H.side in circular frame: TOWER-LONDON/ 1861, crown over broad arrow with flanking initials 'W' and 'O'
The “1” under the stock roundel actually means that, following completion, the carbine was rated as a “First Class Arm" - although the result of that would generally mean that it would be most likely to be issued to a regular unit in the British Army , it would not preclude loan and/or sale to one of the self governing colonies, such as the various colonies in British North America.
The fact that the lockplate does bear a complete Royal Cypher (the crown over V.R.), the stock roundel is the official War Office Tower Armoury mark, and the various other broad arrow marks would confirm that this was indeed a carbine made under contract for the British Government, albeit with those markings it was clearly not made at Royal Small Arms Manufactory Enfield, but rather was produced by one of the independent contractors who also made such arms for the government - and who also were allowed to make other arms for private sale or export - e.g. to both the United and Confederated States during the ACW.
Thanks for any help.
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