Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here fantastic example of a U.S. Civil War Imported 3rd Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, as produced in England with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. At some point, possibly during Civil War service, it was shortened by 15 inches to almost carbine length, but fortunately the original markings were preserved. The two steel barrel bands are held on with screw pressure, as typical of the 3rd model. The lock is marked clearly by the maker, with no other markings:

PARKER FIELD & SONS.
LONDON.

As there is are no CROWN or V.R. markings, this was not rifle produced for the British Government, but was instead aimed for the Overseas market, most specifically the United States, who were embroiled in its most terrible Civil War. Per THE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD by Captain Steven W. Knott, U.S.N. (Ret)., page 5, Parker, Field, & Sons of London was one of 5 British firms contracted to supply P-1853 Enfield rifles to the confederacy. The barrel bears British Proof Marks near the breech, which include the CROWN / GP "Gunmaker's Proof" and CROWN / V "Viewed" markings of the London Gun Company proof house. There is also another proof that we do not recognize.

Just in front of the butt plate tang is a clear CROWN / S / HC proof, which is the marking of Sinclair, Hamilton & Company. As described on page 14 of the Knott book, the importance of this firm cannot be overstated when it comes to the supply of arms to the Confederacy during the course of the American Civil War. While it is not currently possible to be sure exactly how many arms were contracted for and delivered by that firm during the war, research indicates that a reasonable figure would be at least 150,000 arms, divided between as many as 5 contracts to supply guns to the Confederate central government. This figure does not include those arms sold by Sinclair, Hamilton & Company to individual Confederate States, nor those arms sold to Confederate speculators. What is clear is that the earliest purchases from SH&C were made in early June of 1861, and the first contract to deliver 30,000 “long Enfields’ (P-1853 Rifle Muskets) was entered into on July 4, 1861, with deliveries to be completed over 6 months.

Also present on this great shortened rifle is a marking we have not seen before: I C in a Circle, located on the left side of the stock by the lower lock screw. Per page 12 of the Confederate Enfield book, this is the marking of viewer (inspector) Isaac Curtis, who originally inspected older imported rifles for supplier S. Isaac, Campbell & Company. He also performed the same service for Sinclair, Hamilton & Company, which was also based in London.

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. Given the how faint the markings on the wood are, it's very likely that the markings may also have been worn away.

The gun is in very good condition, with a nice stock and patinated steel metalwork. It does show signs of past pitting and powder burn, especially near the cap bolster. When the rifle was shortened by 15 inches, the rear sight was removed, as it would have done little good, and a small brass bead front sight was installed. The sling swivels were both removed, however it still has the original ramrod, shortened in length. The bore is in very good condition, still showing strong three groove rifling, with some areas of fouling and oxidation, as to be expected. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The stock has a lovely color, showing some cracking, scratches, and other damage, but is overall solid.

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

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1861-1864
Caliber: .577 Minié Ball
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 24 inches 
Overall Length: 40 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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