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 1861 / TOWER below the cap bolster, 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. The barrel bears British Proof Marks, which are still relatively clear. They are the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. There is also the CROWN / BP definitive proof, and two 24 markings, indicating "24 bore" or about .579".

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 with the amount of service this rifle has seen, all markings on the wood stock have long since been worn away. We speculate it probably arrived in 1861-62, having been produced in 1861.

The rifle is in very good service used condition overall, and is complete with the rear sight, both sling swivels, and all three barrel bands. The ramrod rod is present as well, though it is currently quite difficult to remove from the stock. It is actually marked D&CG on the side, something we rarely see. The lock is functional, however the tumbler is worn and it will fire at both half and full cock. The metalwork has been cleaned to put it in its best light, but definitely shows past oxidation, particularly near the cap nipple cone bolster, where powder burn would have caused corrosion. The bore still shows clear three groove rifling, though there is definitely past fouling and oxidation. We usually see these export rifles with bores like stovepipes, so it is definitely better than average

The stock is in very good original condition with a lovely color. It definitely looks to have been arsenal reconditioned and cleaned over the years, which has unfortunately removed any markings that were stamped into it. It does show some damage in areas, such as by the ramrod channel near the front nose cap, where it looks like some figuring in the wood tore out. There is also a large chunk missing on the bottom to the rear of the lower barrel band, and what looks to be a knot in the wood on the left side of the butt stock.

The included bayonet is fully functional, correctly fitting onto the muzzle, though hard to lock on due to oxidation on the interior of the socket. It shows rusting on the blade, but still has visible British proofs on the ricasso.

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

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1861
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

Specifications (Bayonet):-

Blade Length: 17"
Blade Style: Triangular Socket
Socket Length: 3"
Overall Length: 20 3/4"

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.