*British, Boer War, Westley Richards Monkey Tail Cavalry Carbine, Whitworth Patent, .450/.483 Calibre, Dated 1883, Retailer-Marked T. Barnsley, Grahamstown (Cape Colony), Obsolete Calibre*
A scarce late-production, 1883, Westley Richards Monkey Tail Cavalry Carbine, retailer-marked by T. Barnsley of Grahamstown, Cape Colony, is directly associated with Boer commando use during the Anglo-Boer War, where these carbines were prized for their Whitworth rifling, rugged simplicity, and continued effectiveness well into 1899–1902. Chambered in .450 calibre with .483 groove Whitworth rifling. Measuring 104cm overall with a 58cm barrel, this carbine features the patented rear-hinged “Monkey Tail” breech block design, lifting to admit a paper cartridge.
The lockplate is crisply marked “WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co”, with the triangular ordnance inspection stamp dated 1883. The breech block carries the serial number 18346, accompanied by Birmingham Proof House stamps. The barrel flats bear both “.450” (bore) and “.483” (groove), confirming proofing in accordance with Birmingham regulations and the use of Whitworth hexagonal rifling.
Most significantly, the barrel is boldly retailer-stamped: “T. BARNSLEY GRAHAMSTOWN”. Thomas Barnsley was a prominent gunsmith and outfitter in Grahamstown, Cape Colony, active between the 1870s–1900. Barnsley is recorded as a major dealer in Westley Richards arms and other British imports, supplying settlers, colonial volunteers, and Boer commandos. Surviving Barnsley-marked rifles are scarce and highly prized.
The carbine retains its correct ladder rear sight, iron ramrod, butt-trap compartment, and both sling swivels, making it a complete and correct cavalry-pattern example.
Features include:
-Ladder rear sight, fully functional and graduated.
-Butt-trap with cover intact, for cleaning rods.
-Two sling swivels and original military fittings.
-Whitworth Patent rifling, enhancing accuracy.
Key Markings:
Lockplate: WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co, 1883 in triangle
Breech block: 18346 (serial), Birmingham proofs
Barrel: .450 bore designation, .483 Groove (rifling) diameter corresponding to Whitworth rifling.
Barrel: WHITWORTH PATENT,
Barrel: T. BARNSLEY GRAHAMSTOWN
Sight: Graduations 1, 2, 3, 4
Breech interior: MANUFACTURED BY WESTLEY RICHARDS
Historical Note:
The Monkey Tail was one of the most important transitional breech-loading arms of the 19th century. Designed and patented by Westley Richards, one of Birmingham’s leading gunmakers founded in 1812, it bridged the gap between muzzle-loaders and cartridge rifles. Introduced in the 1850s, the Monkey Tail became highly regarded for its simplicity, accuracy, and rugged service, especially with cavalry, Yeomanry, and colonial units.
Late-dated examples such as this 1883 Whitworth-rifled carbine are particularly scarce, as metallic cartridge rifles had by then replaced paper cartridges in British service. The barrel is proofed .450/.483, a Birmingham Proof House hallmark that confirms the presence of Whitworth hexagonal rifling, enhancing accuracy and collector appeal.
The barrel also bears the stamp of T. Barnsley, Grahamstown (Cape Colony), a prominent colonial gunsmith and outfitter active in the 1870s–1900s. Barnsley supplied Westley Richards arms widely in South Africa, and such marks firmly establish this carbine’s colonial provenance. Affordable, accurate, and easy to maintain, Monkey Tails remained popular with Boer farmers and mounted commandos, and during the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) were still carried alongside modern Mausers, used to deadly effect in guerrilla fighting.
*Condition*
The carbine remains in excellent original condition, with crisp lock and barrel markings, including the Whitworth patent and Barnsley retailer’s stamp. The metalwork has an attractive smooth patina, free from corrosion or pitting, while the stock is solid and well-preserved, showing only the expected minor handling marks from service use. The breech opens and closes cleanly, and the action is mechanically sound. The only notable loss is the missing butt-trap cover over the cleaning rod compartment in the butt-plate. Despite this, the carbine is complete with its original fittings, including ladder rear sight, ramrod, and sling swivels, making it a fine and scarce late-production Monkey Tail with strong colonial provenance. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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