Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Pattern 1853 Percussion ENFIELD rifle was the finest rifle of its day. It ended up all over the World. All over the British Empire and greatly imported into North America for use on both sides in the U.S. War between the States. Massive quantities were shipped into India, and it was due to the paper cartridges that were supplied with the muzzle loaders that triggered the 1857 Indian Mutiny or Sepoy Rebellion.
The rumor had circulated that the paper cartridges, originally specified to use bee's wax, were instead covered in both Cow's Fat and Pig's Fat, each of which were animals considered both sacred or untouchable to Hindu's and Muslims respectfully. After the Rebellion had been quelled in 1858/9 it was decreed that SEPOY (Native) troops should not again be trusted with rifled weapons, so throughout India all such weapons were thereafter SMOOTH BORED. This order remained in effect until World War One.
Our P-1853, dated 1864, is a "Fourth model", indicated by the "Baddeley" screw clamped bands, and the cleaning jag tipped ramrod. It has also been smooth bored, indicating it was originally imported into India for issue to Native troops. However it looks like at some point after that, it may have crossed over the Khyber pass into Afghanistan, as it has some Arabic writing on the barrel nocks form. Definitely an interesting example, worthy of further research!
The musket was definitely originally produced in England, with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. The lock is marked ENFIELD / 1864 below the cap bolster, indicating production at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock. It is also is marked with the correct "Lock Viewer's Mark" above this, as well as a number 2. The lock plate tail has a QUEEN'S CROWN / V. R. royal cypher, indicating military production for the British empire.
The original British markings on the barrel were removed when it was smoothbored, and also the original rear ladder sight was replaced with a much simpler notched sight. The wood is complete and in great shape, with no structural issues and a lovely color. There are some dents and small chips, but nothing out of line for a rifle that was in service. It has seen use and been reconditioned at arsenal, which unfortunately has left only a ghost of the stock rondel.
The lock functions, but will fire at half cock. The nipple and hammer are both in great shape, and this musket does not really look to have seen much use, before or after it was smoothbored.
A great chance to pick up a nice British-Issued P-1853 Musket that later saw service in India and elsewhere, ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 1864
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
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
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