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  1863 / 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. There has also been a mother of pearl arrow inlaid into the stock, probably a post war modification, though it is always possible it happened during war time. The barrel does not have the usual Birmingham proof marks, and it looks like it may have been contract made elsewhere. There are some proof marks there that we do not recognize, which are faint due to the amount of powder burn in the area. The rear sight for the rifle was also removed long ago.

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 1863-64, having been produced in 1863.

The rifle is in very good service used condition overall, and looks to have seen service post war. The rear sight, sling swivels, and cleaning rod are all missing, possibly taken to use on other rifles. The lock is still functional, however it will fire at both half and full cock. 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 be original and is definitely quite worn. 

The stock is in good original condition with a lovely color, which we have left intact to preserve the patina. It looks like it may have had some type of cleaner or other liquid drip on it, leaving some lighter streaks in areas. It definitely looks to have been worn down somewhat over the years, which has unfortunately removed any markings that were stamped into it. This may have been done before the arrow inlay was added to the right butt stock. Definitely an interesting gun with lots of history.

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

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1863
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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