1858 dated Tower P1856 Saddle Ring Cavalry Carbine

This is a superb 1858 Tower saddle ring cavalry carbine and rare to find a complete and untouched example is such good original condition. The carbine bears a whole hoste of markings aquired during its extensive service life within the British army and it Coloniels forces around the world. The lock carries the Royal Cypher VR, makers name Tower , date of 1858 and military Broad arrow acceptance stamps. Whilst in military service it was transferred into Indian ownership and marked accordingly. The initials N.S. indicate "Native State" and below the intials KOH which is most likley for "Kohat" or "Kolhapur" . The stock has two broad arrow or crows feet facing each other indicating that it was sold out of British Service and accepted at the Bombay Arsenal 1896. Remarkable it retains all of its original features including the integral ram rod and saddle ring bar with ring. These parts were often removed. The military calibre of .25 has also remained. The brass butt-plate was once regimentally marked, these markings would have been removed after it changed ownership.  With both receiver and stock marked with the BA - Bombay Arsenal acceptance / ownership stamp this confirms that this musket has remained together.