Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is an EXCELLENT example of the earliest 1st Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, 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, and bear British Proof marks. It has the correct early pattern ramrod with no cleaning jag at the end. The lock is marked 1855 / TOWER, indicating acceptance at the Tower armory, and it has the correct "curl" on the end of the hammer spur, definitive for a 1st Model. It is also marked with a QUEEN'S CROWN / V. R. to the rear of the hammer. This indicates military production for the British empire. There is also the correct CROWNED BROAD ARROW "lock viewer's mark" to the right of the date.
The breech end of the barrel bears a collection of British proof marks, including the CROWN / TP / BROAD ARROW "Tower Proof", among others, which can probably be used to identify the maker and inspectors. The left side of the stock also has a faint H. GODFREY stamp on it to the rear of the lock screws, and there is even a faded rondel cartouche on the right side of the butt stock, though we are not able to read it. The barrel bands, screws, and many other components bear the correct British markings.
The metalwork of the rifled musket still shows strong bluing, with wear on the edges and contact points. The wood stock is complete and in great shape, showing wear from handling and service. It is a bit dull in areas, however we left it as is to fully preserve the condition. There are even some sheet brass "covers" applied around the cap bolster to protect the stock from powder burn. The rear sight is intact and fully functional, and the bands tighten properly. The the bore is in fantastic condition, showing crisp three groove rifling with a mostly bright finish and very little wear. The cutting marks in the grooves are still fully visible. Lock is functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. Both sling swivels are present and in good shape.
A great chance to pick up a fantastic example of a British-Issued P-1853 1st Model Rifled Musket, ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 1855
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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- 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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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