Pattern 1853 double barrelled .733 in carbine, Cape Mounted Forces, 1854

Pattern 1853 double barrelled .733 inch carbine, Cape Mounted Forces, 1854. Although the carbine's lock is marked 'Tower' and dated 1854 it seems clear that its main components were manufactured by Hollis and Sheath in Birmingham. This weapon was the last of a series of double-barrelled carbines produced for cape forces. it retains the large calibre of previous carbines even though the British Army was using the Pattern 1853 Rifle Musket which had a reduced bore. Only 500 carbines of this model were ordered 1853-1854 and it is unclear exactly how many were issued to troops in southern Africa.