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I Have This Old Gun: British Pattern 1856 Cavalry Carbine

NRApubs
Published on February 10, 2021
Category: General
Duration: 6:39

This video details the British Pattern 1856 Enfield Cavalry Carbine, a significant 19th-century firearm. It highlights its development as a shorter, two-banded version of the 1853 rifle musket, designed for cavalry use. The carbine's features, including a captive ramrod and swivel for mounted loading, are discussed. Its role as a stop-gap measure before breech-loading arms and its substantial importation by Confederate forces during the American Civil War are also covered, along with common markings and the prevalence of fakes.

Tags

British Pattern 1856
Enfield Cavalry Carbine
Muzzle Loading Rifle
Percussion Rifle
American Civil War
Confederate Arms
Blockade Runners
Cavalry Carbine
Two-Banded Carbine
Captive Ramrod
Birmingham Small Arms Trade
JS Anchor Stamping

Quick Summary

The British Pattern 1856 Enfield Cavalry Carbine was a shorter, two-banded muzzle-loading rifle designed for cavalry. It featured a captive ramrod with a swivel for mounted loading and was imported in large numbers by the Confederacy during the Civil War, often marked with 'JS' and an anchor.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction to British Military Rifles
  2. 00:11Need for a Cavalry Carbine
  3. 00:19The 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket Legacy
  4. 00:57Full Length vs. Shorter Enfield Versions
  5. 01:13Development of the 1856 Cavalry Carbine
  6. 01:41Features of the 1856 Carbine
  7. 01:53Swivel Ramrod Feature
  8. 02:05Stop-Gap Measure and Transition
  9. 02:24Confederate Importation of 1856 Carbines
  10. 02:53Personal Fascination with the 1856 Carbine
  11. 03:14Early Encounters and Reproductions
  12. 03:27Carbine Barrel Length and Ramrod
  13. 03:48Handling and Scarcity of the Carbine
  14. 04:06Confederate Guns and Blockade Runners
  15. 04:18Seventh Indiana Cavalry Report
  16. 04:39Destruction of English Carbines
  17. 04:47Late War Importation Challenges
  18. 05:08Wilmington, NC: The Last Port
  19. 05:32Import Routes: Bermuda and Bahamas
  20. 05:45Confederate Markings on 1856 Carbines
  21. 06:09Different 1856 Models
  22. 06:19The Typical Cavalry Carbine Version
  23. 06:24Warning About Confederate Firearm Fakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguished the British Pattern 1856 Cavalry Carbine from other Enfield rifles?

The Pattern 1856 Cavalry Carbine was a shorter, two-banded version of the 1853 rifle musket, specifically designed for cavalry. It featured a captive ramrod with a swivel under the muzzle for easier loading on horseback.

How significant was the Pattern 1856 carbine's role in the American Civil War?

The Pattern 1856 carbine was imported in significant numbers by the Confederacy, with around 10,000 units acquired between 1861 and 1865. They were often brought in via blockade runners through the last open ports.

What are common markings to look for on a Confederate-used Pattern 1856 carbine?

Confederate-marked 1856 carbines typically display a 'JS' and an anchor stamp. These are usually found on the tang of the trigger bow or sometimes on the comb of the stock, alongside the Birmingham Small Arms Trade stamping.

Why are original Confederate Pattern 1856 carbines considered scarce?

Original Confederate 1856 carbines are scarce due to their limited production run, the intense fighting of the Civil War, and the fact that many were captured or destroyed. Furthermore, the prevalence of fakes makes authentic examples highly sought after.

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