Hammer

£1,600

A rare and interesting MkI .303 Lee Metford cavalry carbine, butt socket marked Crown over VR, "Enfield 1895, 1," serial number "298" over "A." Brass butt marker disc marked "11.97" (November 1897), "17.L" (17th Lancers) & "5" over smaller "27." Rare fluted head ramrod, screwed into forsight protector (32cm long). The reverse of the buttstock is carved with the Prince of Wales plume of feathers & "Ich Dien," in separate panels under which is the number "82" (82nd Regiment of Foot were the 2nd Btn Prince of Wales Volunteers). These "Veldt" style carvings continue on the right hand side of the stock with the letters "H.T.C." in gothic lettering. It is possible the carvings are by two different engravers, perhaps one Boer, one Briton? On September 17th 1901, near Modderfontein Farm, NW of Johannesburg, General Smuts and his Commando, who were starving and short of horses, ran into a troop of the 17th Lancers. In the ensuing fight, of the 140 Lancers engaged, four officers and thirty two men were killed. A further four officers and thirty three men were wounded. The gallant stand of the 17th Lancers was immortalised in the painting "All That Was Left of Them" showing the 17th lancers with their Enfield carbines. Could this carbine have been captured by Smuts' men, then later recaptured by the 2nd Btn S. Wales Borderers? The carbine is in all original condition and is marked for issue in 1899 to the 17th Lancers. It is deactivated to current EU spec, with certificate. The woodwork bears the bruising comensurate with service use & has a pleasing dark patina. Viewing highly recommended. An exceptional collector's grade item.