This is an original example of a British contract Greene patent carbine. 2,000 of these carbines were manufactured under contract to the British Government in 1855 to be used in the Crimean War. Evidently they saw little service and many were destroyed or scraped for parts. Its believed that some of the carbines may have been bought back by the U.S. during the Civil War. The upper tang is marked "GREENE'S PATENT/JUNE 27. 1854", the lock plate is marked "MASS ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS/U.S.A. 1856" next to a large British Crown over the cypher of Queen Victoria "V x R", and the primer cover is marked "MAYNARD'S PATENT/SEP. 22. 1845". The left side of the barrel has a double "British Broad Arrow" proof with a letter "S". The top of the barrel breech and frame have a British Crown over "A/2" and "A/5", respectively. Various parts are marked with British proofs. It has the correct iron patch box on the right side of the buttstock. On the underside of the buttstock directly behind the trigger guard are several faint British Crown acceptance proofs. Blade front, folding ladder rear sights and saddle ring mounted on the lower tang.

Very fine. There is 60% of the original blue remaining, strongest on the breech end of the barrel mixed with smooth brown patina. The left side of the frame retains most of the original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The lower tang retains most of the original blue finish and there is a smooth brown patina on the remaining metal surfaces, showing some minor pitting on the trigger guard. The stock is very good with some scattered minor dings and dents. With the exception of the breech end barrel proof marks or unless noted above, the markings are clear. Mechanically fine.