Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is a very nice example of a 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 lock is marked POTTS & HUNT / LONDON, and there is no "Crown" or "V.R." marking on the lock plate tail. The barrel does bear the correct British Proof Markings of the CROWN / GP (Gunmaker’s Proof) and CROWN / V (Viewed) markings from the London Gun company, though they are faded from powder burn. Between these is a faint number 25, indicating "25 bore" or about .571".

The lack of the V.R. lock marking indicates that this weapon was not intended for a British Military contract, but was instead aimed at the Overseas market. At the time this was 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. In the wood of the left side opposite the lock plate there is a "boxed" cartouche with the initials WR and a stamped I.C. to the right of this. This is the distinctive mark of ISAAC CURTIS, a Confederate Inspector who worked for J. ISAAC CAMPBELL & CO.

These markings can be verified in the wonderful soft cover book THE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD by CAPT. STEVEN W. KNOTT, U.S.N. (RET), see page page #14 for the Cartouche stamping "I.C." of Inspector ISAAC CURTIS. 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 after 1863 conditions were such that little time was available for such niceties upon importation. There is a set of initials, FDC, carved into the buttstock on the right side, and from the style of lettering it is certainly period done. Also with the amount of service this rifle has seen, most markings on the wood stock have long since been worn away. We speculate it probably arrived in 1863-4.

The gun is in very good condition, with a great looking stock and cleaned metalwork with a lovely peppered patina. It definitely shows signs of use and wear consistent with military service. The sight slider is intact, as is the front sight, and the rifle still has both sling swivels and the original cleaning / ramrod. The bore does show use and powder fouling, however the three groove rifling is still easily visible. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, although it requires some force. It appears that the percussion nipple has been replaced, likely after the Civil War.

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

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: c.1863
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 39 inches 
Overall Length: 54 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.