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Smoothbore. 656in musket, Pattern 1858, lock dated 1856 (metal)
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Smoothbore. 656in musket, Pattern 1858, lock dated 1856 (metal)
3037345 Smoothbore.656in musket, Pattern 1858, lock dated 1856 (metal) by Indian School, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Converted from a Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-musket in India 1858, this exceptionally rare item was part of an original issue of 10, 000 weapons sold by the British Government to the East Indian Company in 1856. These weapons were a contributory cause of the Indian Mutiny because of the belief that animal fat had been incorporated in the grease for the cartridges. After the Mutiny, most Indian troops were issued with smooth-bore muskets which at the same time were to look similar to Enfield rifles. In this case the original rifling was bored out and a locally-made ramrod fitted. Also, a simple fixed backsight replaced the graduated rear sight of the Enfield.
Now in poor condition, it is identified by the faint stamp on the butt of the EIC lion rampant regardment and holding the crown. In addition the initials WD (War Department) over the broad arrow combined with I (India) and the date 1856 are present. The weapon was subsequently bored smooth and re-sighted to conform with the pattern 1858-1859. 656in muskets for Native Infantry ); eNational Army Museum; Indian, out of copyright
Media ID 23428052
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
British Empire British Raj Converted Enfield Firearm Musket
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a Smoothbore . 656in musket, Pattern 1858, with a lock dated 1856. Created by the Indian School in the 19th century, this remarkable piece is currently housed at the National Army Museum in London. Originally converted from a Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-musket in India during 1858, this particular weapon holds great historical significance. It was part of an original batch of 10,000 firearms sold by the British Government to the East Indian Company two years prior. Sadly, these weapons played a role in sparking the infamous Indian Mutiny due to rumors that animal fat had been used in their cartridges' grease. Following the mutiny's aftermath, most Indian troops were equipped with smooth-bore muskets designed to resemble Enfield rifles. In this specific case, modifications included boring out the original rifling and fitting it with a locally-made ramrod. Additionally, a simple fixed backsight replaced the graduated rear sight found on Enfields. Although now showing signs of wear and tear, this exceptional artifact can still be identified by its faint stamp featuring an EIC lion rampant regardment and holding a crown on its butt. Furthermore, markings such as WD (War Department) over a broad arrow combined with I (India) and dating back to 1856 are present. Overall, this unique weapon underwent significant alterations throughout history but remains an important testament to military developments during that era.
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