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Westley Richards Monkey Tail. 45 inch carbine, Orange Free State, 1883 (carbine
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Westley Richards Monkey Tail. 45 inch carbine, Orange Free State, 1883 (carbine
5930017 Westley Richards A Monkey TailA.45 inch carbine, Orange Free State, 1883 (carbine, breechloading, capping, Westley Richards, .45 in) by English School, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Westley Richards A Monkey TailA.45 inch carbine, Orange Free State, 1883.
Made by Westley Richards and Company, Birmingham, 1883.
This carbine is a capping breechloader which uses a paper cartridge and percussion cap. The nickname A Monkey TailA, comes from the distinct shape of the receiver which is raised to enable the cartridge to be inserted. This example of the weapon is a military model exported to the Orange Free State.
Although Westley Richards exported many Martini-action carbines in the same year, the A Monkey TailA remained popular with the Boers throughout the 1880s and early 1890s. The action and lock of this trade carbine were very similar to those used on the British ArmyAs cavalry carbine in the 1880s, but the barrel is much longer, giving the weapon the dimensions of a short rifle.); eNational Army Museum; English, out of copyright
Media ID 23573070
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Westley Richards Monkey Tail . 45 inch carbine, a remarkable piece of weaponry from 1883. Manufactured by Westley Richards and Company in Birmingham, this carbine was specifically designed for the Orange Free State. The distinctive feature of this capping breechloader is its raised receiver, resembling a monkey's tail, which allows for easy insertion of the paper cartridge and percussion cap. While Westley Richards exported many Martini-action carbines during that time period, the Monkey Tail remained highly favored by the Boers throughout the 1880s and early 1890s. What sets this particular trade carbine apart is its longer barrel length, giving it dimensions similar to those of a short rifle. The action and lock mechanism closely resemble those used on British Army cavalry carbines in the 1880s. Displayed at London's National Army Museum, this photograph captures not only the exquisite craftsmanship but also sheds light on an era when firearms played a crucial role in shaping history. A testament to both innovation and functionality, this Monkey Tail carbine stands as a symbol of military prowess during an important chapter in South African history.
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