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, the use of Queen Victoria's "St. Edward's Crown/VR" cipher behind hammer on the lock, the British proofmarks, shorter barrel, hexadecagonal 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 a replacement beaded blade front sight, the standed notch and folding ladder rear sight, "MASS ARM. CO./CHICOPEE FALLS/U.S.A. 1856" behind the cipher on the lock, Maynard patent marking on the primer door, British proofs and sold out of service marking, the two-line Greene patent marking on the upper tang, and matching serial numbers.

Very good plus with 20% original finish on the "collar," patches of original case colors, dark gray and brown patina on the balance, some mild oxidation/pitting, and minor handling and storage type marks. The stock is fair and has a cracked comb, dark oiled finish, and some scrapes and dents. Mechanically fine.