Only 2,000 Greene carbines were manufactured by the Mass. Arms Co. in the mid-1850s for the British for use in the Crimean War. They differ from the American type in the larger caliber, with the use of Queen Victoria's "St. Edward's Crown/VR" cipher behind hammer on the lock, the British proofmarks, shorter barrel, hexadecagon section ahead of the rear sight, sling ring on the trigger guard tang, and the use of casehardened steel for the butt and patch box instead of brass. All but a couple hundred are believed to have been scrapped for parts, and few are believed to have seen actual British military use. This example has the standard blade and folding ladder sights, "MASS ARM. CO./CHICOPEE FALLS/U.S.A. 1856" behind the cipher on the lock, Maynard patent marking on the primer door, British proofs, the two-line Greene patent marking on the upper tang, and matching serial numbers.

Very good plus with strong traces of original blue finish and otherwise mostly smooth brown patina, extensive mild pitting visible on the lock, heavier pitting on the patch box and buttplate, and some large dents and minor scrapes in the stock. Mechanically fine.