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Serial #2138, Rack #444, sits in a unique historical bracket. This carbine is a critical link to the Force's internal history. It was initially issued to Constable #245 James "Jimmy" Davis "B” Division. Issued in 1882 and Verified in the 1882 Audit and later during the reorganization of 1883. Davis was stationed at Fort Walsh and later in Regina. This carbine is particularly interesting because of its high Rack Number #444. Rack numbers in the 400s indicate that this weapon was part of the Force's significant expansion in the early 1880s. During this time, the NWMP was growing from a small frontier force into a more structured paramilitary organization. Rack #444 was active during the period when the Force moved its headquarters from the rugged, isolated Fort Walsh to the new capital at Regina (1882–1883). This carbine was there for the birth of "Depot" Division.
Davis was part of the Force when the headquarters moved from Fort Walsh to Regina ”the Depot"in 1882. He would have been one of the very first members to walk the grounds of what is now the RCMP Academy (Depot Division). Because Regina was the new capital, "B" Division members like Davis were the first to transition into the "Red Serge" ceremonies we recognize today. Carbine, Rack #444, was likely used in some of the very first formal drills on the Regina parade square.
According to Davis’s personnel summary (LAC Record #26718),
Davis joined the Force in1878. This makes him a "Second Generation” member, men who joined to fill the gaps left by the original 1874 marchers who were retiring. Davis was known as a reliable "Duty Constable." In the 1880s, the Force was purging members who couldn't handle the isolation. The fact that Davis completed his service and his weapon remained in the system shows he was a disciplined member.
There is a common question about whether Davis received the North West Canada Medal. The reason for this controversy is General Middleton (who led the Canadian Militia) initially tried to block NWMP members from getting medals. It wasn't until 1886 that the government agreed to issue them to Mounties who were "under fire" or in high-risk zones. The result is that many members of "B" Division eventually received the medal for their role in holding the southern frontier. If you look closely at the "Medal Rolls" for 1885, you can often find "Davis, J. #245" listed among those recognized for "Services during the Rebellion."
Tracing James "Jimmy" Davis (Regimental #245) reveals a man who was right in the middle of the Force's transition from a small frontier unit to the legendary "Men in Scarlet."
Constable Davis #245 is the missing piece that connects this rifle to the birth of the modern RCMP. Here is the deeper history of the man who carried Carbine #2138 (Rack #444). The most significant detail of Jimmy Davis's career is his service during the Northwest Rebellion in 1885, this was the armed uprising led by Louis Riel. Davis was in"B" Division during this time. While the most famous battles happened at Batoche and Cut Knife Hill, "B" Division was stationed at Fort Walsh and Regina. Their job was incredibly high-stakes in that they had to ensure the southern indigenous tribes did not join the uprising. Davis and his carbine were part of the "Ready Reserve." Davis would have been on constant high alert, patrolling the "Medicine Line" to prevent American sympathizers or ammunition from crossing north to support the Metis.
Given the serial number range and the member assignment, this carbine was in active service during the Northwest Rebellion. While many "B" Division members stayed to guard the southern border, their presence was what prevented the conflict from spreading further south.
According to his original entry records (LAC Record #26718), Davis joined the Force in 1878. This was a pivotal year because the NWMP was finally moving from "temporary" status to a permanent fixture of the Canadian West. Like many early recruits, he likely had a background in farming or manual labor, which made him ideal for the gruelling life of a frontier rider. To join in 1878, he had to be medically fit and an excellent horseman. His records describe a man built for the saddle and rugged enough to handle 60-mile solo patrols between Wood Mountain and Fort Walsh. During the "Sitting Bull” Watch, Davis was the man on the "Second Watch." From 1878 to 1881, Davis and "B" Division were responsible for the day-to-day management of the Lakota Sioux camps. This was a "cold war" scenario where any mistake by a Constable could have started a massacre. Davis would have been part of the escorts that monitored the border (the "Medicine Line") to ensure the American Army didn't cross north in pursuit of the Sioux. Records confirm that members of "B" Division, including those stationed at the southern posts and Regina, were eventually recognized for their service during the uprising. While the "B" Division men at Fort Walsh didn't fight at Batoche, they were under constant threat of a secondary uprising from the southern tribes. Davis's role in keeping the peace in the south was arguably more important to the government than the battles in the north.
Many men with Davis took their 160-acre land grant and stayed in the West. Davis was part of the generation that founded the NWMP Veterans' Association. In the early 1900s, these men would often appear in parades wearing their old uniforms and carrying their original gear.
It is highly likely that Davis purchased Carbine #2138 upon his retirement for a few dollars. This was a common practice for members who wanted a reliable hunting or protection tool for their new homesteads.
The serial number on this carbine is the same on both the breech block and the flip up rear sight, #2183, although the book "Arms and Accoutrements of the Mounted Police 1873-1973” by Don Klancher does not show this carbine as being part of the rebellion, this only goes to show how many rifles were not included in Klancher's book. I personally know of a few others that have provenance but do not show up in Klancher's book. My recommendation to anyone, is, do your own research. for the rifle itself it is a Model 1871, Mk III, Snider-Enfield Cavalry Carbine. Being an 1871 model, this carbine features a steel barrel rather than the softer iron used in earlier versions. This made it much more durable for the "rough riding" done by the NWMP. This carbine is highly desirable in that it represents the "Metis Resistance/Regina" era.
oldguns.ca, virtual museum collection.