Mather (Newcastle) British Officers .65” Calibre, Model 1773 Eliott Service Flintlock Carbine by Mather of Newcastle. Sn - 21851:6 Muzzleloader .65 Cal Muzzleloader Rifle

This carbine takes its name from the designer General George Augustus Eliott. It was first approved in June 1773 and was intended for light dragoons. Although a 20 year old design at the onset of the Napoleonic War (1803-1815), it was still in use long after 1815. This is a scarce British Officers private purchase Model 1773 Eliott service carbine that has not been modified in later life and retains all of its original features. The flintlock carbine was made by Mather of Newcastle and is nicely stamped on the side of the lock plate MATHER NEWCASTLE together with 2 line border line engraving as does the cock. The carbine has a 28 inch barrel with an overall length of 44 inches. The carbine has regulation brass mounts, flat side-plate of shaped outline, brass fore-end cap, steel sling bar with ring and the original steel ramrod with characteristic swelling cut with a groove cut near to the head to retain the head. The barrel is nicely stamped with the government proof marks for privately made barrels and has a nice clean bore with light staining due to residue in service. The barrel has a fore sight which also doubles as a stud for the bayonet. See pages 55, 56, 57 & 78 British Military Longarms 1715-1815 by D.W. Bailey, British Military Firearms 1650-1850 by Howard l. Blackmore & chapter 4 in British Cavalry Carbines & Pistols of the Napoleonic Era by Barry Chisnall and Geoffrey Davies. NB As an antique musket no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Delivery is to the U.K. mainland by arrangement and at cost. Sn 21851:6