Original Item: Only One Available. Well here is something we have not seen before, a London Armoury Company produced 4th Model P-1853 Enfield Export Rifle, made right during the middle of the U.S. Civil War. The London Armoury Company had been established in 1856 with the sole intention of producing military arms for British War Department, as well as export markets. The muskets produced by them were among the most well-made and desirable at the time, and today are among the hardest to find of Civil War era Enfield Rifles. This is only the second example that we have ever had, and it is really a lovely example, with a lovely matured patina.

The board of directors and shareholders in the London Armoury Company read like a “Who’s Who” of the 19th century English gun trade, and included (among others) Archibald Hamilton, Robert Adams, Richard Ashton, James Kerr, John Deane and William Harding. The London Armoury Company (LAC) produced arms have the distinction of the being the only machine-made, fully interchangeable parts Enfields to be imported during the American Civil War. The guns are instantly recognizable by the brass lock escutcheons, which have rounded wings instead of the normally encountered square wings, as seen on this example. This is a later made example, which has the correct "Baddeley" designed barrel bands used the 4th Model Enfield, which were the main "improvement". With no protruding screws, they were much less likely to catch on things.

This company was a preferred contractor of the British Government, but once the U.S. Civil War broke out, it became one of the major suppliers for the market, particularly the confederacy. They initially had some contracts supplying the State of Massachusetts, but confederate buying agents such as Caleb Huse managed to secure a good portion of all their production later on. He in particular had an inside track, as Archibald Hamilton, the managing director of the London Armoury Co., was also the principle in the firm Sinclair, Hamilton & Company, a primary supplier of arms and equipment to the south. Huse secured large contracts, and many guns were exported to the southern states, though it is not clear how many got there. What is clear is that the company became almost completely dependent on sales to the Confederacy and survived for only a year after the end of the war, dissolving in the Spring of 1866.

Offered here is a lovely example of the 4th Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, as produced in England by the London Armoury Company, with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. The barrel is held in place by three steel "Baddeley" style barrel bands, which are held on by pressure from the recessed screws, as is correct for the 4th model. The lock is marked 1863 / L.A.Co. below the cap bolster, and it is marked with a QUEEN'S CROWN / V . R to the rear of the hammer. While Birmingham Small Arms company export rifles did not have the "VR" on their lock plates, those of L.A.Co. did, and this example is textbook, simple in design without any border around the edge.

It is additionally marked L.A.C twice on the top of the barrel, and the left side of the barrel has the CROWN / GP "Gunmakers Proof" and CROWN / V "viewed" markings from the London Gun Company. Between these is a 25 marking, indicating "25 bore" or about .571", and below the proofs is another proof that we do not recognize. There are no markings on the stock as we might usually see, and the wrist is finely checkered, which we believe indicates it is an officer version. We unfortunately were not able to find any state markings or inspection cartouches, either Federal or confederate.

The gun is in very good condition, with a lovely stock, and the metalwork bears a lovely aged plum patina overall, with some evidence of past peppering. There is not a lot of powder burn on the nocks form, which would usually indicate that it did not see extensive use. The front sight is intact, as is the rear sight, which has an intact slider and functions very well, though it is definitely a bit stiff. The lock functions correctly as well, holding at half cock and firing at full, and there is a lovely cap nipple cone protector present, attached by a chain to the lower sling swivel. We removed the tompion to check the bore, and it is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is just a bit of oxidation near the muzzle, possibly water being drawn to the steel by the wooden tompion.

The stock is in great condition, showing the expected light dents and dings from service, but still looking great. We did not notice any major damage, cracks, or repairs, and the color and grain are simply fantastic. We did not do any major cleaning or restoration to the rifle, to avoid disturbing the lovely patina, but it may be possible to remove some paint marks with gentle cleaning.The rifle still has both sling swivels and an original ramrod, though the latter may be a period replacement, as it looks like a Springfield ramrod.

Really a great example of a rare London Armoury Co. P-1853 Enfield rifle, only the second example that we have ever had! Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 39 inches 
Overall Length: 55 1/4 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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