Approximately 2,000 of these Greene carbines were manufactured circa 1855-1857 on contract with the British for use in the Crimean War. All but a few hundred were reportedly scrapped for parts later, with few seeing military service. They differ from the American type in the larger caliber, the use of Queen Victoria's "St. Edward's Crown/VxR" cipher on the lock, British proofmarks, shorter barrel, hexadecagonal section ahead of the rear sight, sling ring on the lower tang, and a steel buttplate and patch box. This example has a British sold out of service mark on the left of the barrel, and "U.S." marking in the left tail of the stock, indicating it could have possibly been bought back from the British and used in U.S. military service during the Civil War era.

Fine, retains 70% original blue finish with smooth brown patina and scattered light freckling on the balance, 40% plus case colors strongest on the hammer with muted patterns visible on the lock, a few small patches of light pitting, and mostly clear markings with sharp edges in the metal overall. Stock is very good with defined edges, scattered pressure dents and handling marks, a few cracks and filled in repaired sections on the right wrist behind the upper tang and above the lock, and crisp stampings. The locking detent is not properly engaging, otherwise mechanically fine.