Various cavalry carbines were based on the Brown Bess rifle were used by the British army with various barrel lengths and lighter stocks/metalwork. Various guns were made for the 7 years war between 1756 and 1763 and the Birmingham gunsmith Grice made several types of them. The carbine has a short barrel length of 20 inches with an overall length of 35 inches. This carbine is marked on the top of the brass butt plate 2 D G (2nd Dragoon Guards) C over 56 (the rack and gun number). The musket is fitted with a lock plate nicely engraved 1761 GRICE (the gunmaker) Crown over GR (George Regina) and an ordnance inspection mark. The bevelled lock plate has double lined engraving and is fitted with a nice early swan necked cock with 2 line engraving to the borders and mild engraving to the side. The carbine is fitted brass furniture wit 2 cross pinned ramrod pipes, the front one being bell mouthed. The cavalry carbine is fitted with the correct pinching to the front of the trigger guard with no hole for a sling swivel. The carbine has a ring and saddle bar fitted between the side plate using one of the side plate screws and attached to the forend by a cross screw. The barrel is secured by 2 cross pins and a screw at the tang. The barrel is fitted with a captive ramrod retained by a lug under the muzzle of the barrel and a pair of ramrod swivels. The metal work has an even patina throughout and the barrel has staining and residue consistent with age and use. The brass fittings are in good condition and the woodwork is in good condition with the normal knocks and bumps from service use. See British Military Longarms 1715-1815 by D.W.Bailey and British Military Firearms 1650-1850 by Howard l. Blackmore. The price includes UK delivery. As an antique musket no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. A 1107