Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle
Item #: AA854
This is a two band Enfield rifle that measures 48" overall and has a barrel length of 33". These five groove rifled muskets were very accurate and highly sought after. When available, they were usually issued to the best riflemen in the unit. Some units, such as the Texas Brigade, were issued these weapons because of their proven fighting capabilities. The brigade, made up of the 1st, 4th 5th Texas and the 3rd Arkansas Infantry regiment, was one of the hardest fighting brigades in the Army of Northern Virginia. They have been called "Lee's Storm Troopers" by some historians. The bore of this rifle is bright and the five lands and grooves are strong. The exterior of the barrel is moderately pitted, with some original blueing showing through here and there. On the left side of the barrel at the muzzle are the Birmingham proof marks of crown of script BP letters, standing for the Birmingham Provisional Proof. Next is the number 25, indicating the bore is .577 caliber. The third mark is crossed scepters with a crown in the top quadrant and the letter V in the bottom quadrant, the Birmingham view mark. The number 25 appears again, confirming the caliber of the weapon during the manufacturing process. The last stamp is another crossed scepters with a crown in the top quadrant and the letters BPC in the remaining quadrants. This stamp is the final proof mark of the Birmingham Proof House. The saber bayonet lug is still reporting for duty on this one. The front sight is present, as well as the long range rear sight. The base of the rear sight is graduated from 1 to 4 hundred yards. The ladder of the rear sight is graduated from 5 out to 1100 yards. The lock plate and hammer match the patina of the barrel perfectly. The plate is marked with a crown behind the hammer and 1861 over TOWER forward of the hammer. The action works fine, locking the hammer in half cock and full cock. When the trigger is depressed the hammer contacts the original nipple, but the main spring is a little weak. The original barrel bands are moderately pitted with a little blueing peaking through in a couple spots. The front band still retains the front sling swivel. The nose cap, trigger guard and butt plate are brass. The trigger guard is broken at the forward screw, just behind the trigger bow. The rear sling swivel is attached to the trigger guard forward of the trigger bow. The butt plate is unmarked and all three brass pieces have a matching dark golden patina. The stock retains it's original finish and has the normal bumps and dings from 155 years of handling. There are no cartouches visible. Unfortunately the stock is broken at the wrist. It has a copper strip attached at the top of the wrist for reinforcement. A pin and nail has been used at the bottom of the wrist to complete the repair. The pictures show all repairs. The ramrod for this one has gone MIA. Stock damage aside, this is still a very desirable example of an extremely scarce Confederate rifle. If this one didn't need a stock repair and a ramrod it would be listed for $5000! But this one is priced to move on down the road. If you collect Confederate long arms, chances are you don't have one of these. Act now, it won't last long!
Shipping Weight:
10 lbs
Item # AA854
(Sold)
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