This is a Barnett contract P53 Enfield rifled musket from the Civil War. The weapon measures 53 3/4" overall and has a slightly shortened 39" barrel. The bore is dark and heavily rusted and shows no rifling. The bore gauges out to .64 caliber, somebody was doin' some shootin' with this one. The exterior of the barrel is mottled dark gray and black aged spots over the entire length of the barrel. The breech and bolster area of the barrel show considerable pitting and pin pricking, another indication this one saw quite a bit of use. The front sight is the normal pinched sight found on Enfields, while the original rear sight has been replaced by a hand made buckhorn type sight. This was probably a field fix and not an armory repair. The barrel proofs are the London proof marks, but are barely legible. The bottom of the barrel has multiple stampings, to include BARNETT, D.F., 32, G.F, Roman numerals and more. The barrel tang screw is missing. The lockplate has a matching dark patina. Forward of the hammer it is stamped BARNETT/LONDON with a crown stamped over TOWER behind the hammer. The mechanics have a problem, as the hammer locks in the full cock position only. Yet another sign that this rifle saw a lot of the "elephant". All three barrel bands are present, but both sling swivels are missing. They also match the overall dark coloring of the other iron components. The brass nose cap and butt plate are missing. The brass trigger guard has an aged mellow golden patina. The stock has a light, almost bleached out color. There are several woody putty repairs, mainly in the wrist area around the barrel tang. The front of the stock where the nose cap should be has been cutdown to look as if it never had one. There are a couple of age cracks around the lockplate and one gouge on the right stock comb near the toe. While there are no Confederate viewer's marks or cartouches on the stock there is ample signs that this was a Confederate used weapon. Carved into the right side stock upside down is the date Nov 7th 1863. The second Battle of Rappahannock Station occurred on that date. On the left stock flat are the initials I.W.L. On the left stock comb Kinston, N.C. and the initials I.W.L. are again carved. Kinston, North Carolina was the site of a battle that took place 14 December, 1862. There's not much doubt that this Confederate Enfield was heavily used. While it is in relic condition, this one will make a nice addition to your Civil War gun room!

Item # AA1129

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