Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is a nice service used example of the 3rd Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, as produced in England with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. The three steel barrel bands are held on with screw pressure, as typical of the 3rd model. The screws are not recessed, as they would be on the "Baddeley" type bands used on the later 4th model.

The lock is marked 1862 / TOWER at the bottom of the lock plate, and it is marked with a QUEEN'S CROWN to the rear of the hammer. However, there is NO V.R. under the crown. This indicates that this weapon was not intended for a British Military contract but was aimed at the Overseas market, most specifically the United States, who were embroiled in its most terrible Civil War.

As a Confederate destined weapon it should have the right hand side of the butt stamped with a roundel stating "BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS TRADE", however this marking is now GONE due to wear. The barrel bears British Proof Marks, which are still relatively clear. They are the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. There is also the CROWN / BP definitive proof, and two 25 markings, indicating "25 bore" or about .571".

A similar Short Rifle edition of this same weapon, dated 1861, appears on the Cover of THE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD by Captain Steven W. Knott, U.S.N. (Ret). with a write up on pages 44 and 45. In addition there is a photograph of the proof marks of this known Confederate Soldier's Rifle on the Title page of the book which are completely identical to those on this weapon. This excellent book states that the Confederate Buying Agents, Josiah Gorgas and Caleb Huse purchased over 350,000 European Rifles between 1861 and 1865, over 250,000 of these were the Percussion Enfield Rifled Muskets and 100,000 were Austrian Percussion arms.

The Union also imported Enfields which were highly prized by Federal soldiers more so than the Union made arms apparently. The Confederacy however contracted for the greater number which in most cases were transported by "BLOCKADE RUNNERS" based in Bermuda. Well documented in the THE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD book.

We found no specific STATE Markings on our rifle, however conditions were often such that little time was available for such niceties upon importation. Also the rifle definitely saw a good amount of use and cleaning, which most likely removed any importation markings that were present. We speculate it probably arrived in 1862-63, having been produced in 1862.

The rifle is in very good service used condition overall, and looks to have seen service post war. The rear sight is missing, and the original cleaning rod was replaced at some point with an aftermarket one for display. Both sling swivels are still present and functional, though the lower swivel looks to have been replaced at some point. The lock is fully functional, and holds correctly at half cock, only firing at full. The metalwork shows long use in service, with a peppery patina on the barrel, that shows a good amount of powder burn around the cap bolster area. The cap nipple cone looks to have been replaced at some point. We did check the bore, and it is worn, with rifling no longer apparent.

The stock is in good original condition with a lovely color, having been fully cleaned and restored by our expert antique gunsmiths.  It definitely looks to have been worn down somewhat over the years, which has unfortunately removed any markings that were stamped into it. 

A very nice example of a P-1853 three band percussion rifle with a possible CSA connection! Ready to display and research!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 39 inches 
Overall Length: 55 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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