Rifle, carbine

This is an example of the carbine version of the famous 'Baker Rifle' made for the Board of Ordnance at the Tower of London. The lock plate is stamped with the 'Tower' mark and the royal cypher of George III. The 'Baker Rifle' was invented by Ezekiel Baker, who like many government contractors, worked in the Whitechapel area. His rifle underwent a number of technical improvements in its development as a military service weapon between 1801 and 1838. The rifle was manufactured under government contract in both London and Birmingham. The third pattern rifle was in production from 1806.

Baker rifles were used by the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. The carbine was designed for cavalry and this weapon was issued to a member of the 7th Light Dragoons. This carbine has a walnut stock and a brass compartment in the butt for storing greased linen patches for the lead balls. It is also fitted with front and rear sights, a safety catch and a brass pistol grip trigger guard.