Guns International #: 101684699
Seller's Inventory #: AL6059

This percussion breechloading carbine was manufactured by T.J. Hart. Thomas Hart was a Birmingham gunmaker who worked as a gun, rifle and pistol maker as well as a gun barrel maker circa 1840-1865. In 1859 he received British Patent No. 1580/1859 for a percussion ignition bolt action breechloader of the type offered here. The design appears to blend features of both the Terry’s patent and the Wilson’s patent capping breechloaders, with a simple and effective rotating breech bolt with a sliding lock. Sliding the wing-shaped bolt lock out releases the bolt lock which can then be rotated 45-degrees upwards unlocking the bolt and allowing the rounded disc at the rear of the bolt to pulled out. This exposes the chamber, allowing for the insertion of the combustible cartridge. Pushing the bolt closed pushes the cartridge into the breech and then rotating the locking handle back down locks the bolt. This is an interesting and unusual early English breechloading system that never really got off the ground. The overall length is approx. 37.5"". The 21"" round 60 caliber smooth bore barrel has a very good bore. It is secured with a single wedge and a Palmer patent clamping band. The barrel features a Pattern 1856 carbine leaf rear sight and musket style front sight. The barrel has an even brown patina with the Birmingham proofs and bore markings visible but indistinct and some roughness at the muzzle. There is light pitting around the bolster. The top of the chamber is marked “T.J. HART’S PATENT". The unmarked percussion lock is Enfield style, The lock, hammer, and action have a brown patina. The brass trigger guard and butt plate have an even age patina. The stock has attractive figuring and possibly has been lightly sanded as the edges are slightly soft. There are no cracks or chips and only minor light handling marks and dings. The Enfield style ramrod is cut to fit the gun. The lock and bolt action function correctly. This is an interesting and rare British carbine.