This is a three band P53 Enfield with an 1862 dated lock plate. The lock plate and barrel proof marks indicate that this rifled musket was produced in Birmingham, England. The English walnut stock is in good condition, with the normal wear and dings associated with 154 years of use. There are no cracks anywhere on the wood. There are no visible cartouches to be seen on the stock. The lock plate is stamped 1862 over TOWER with a crown behind the hammer. The hammer locks up perfectly in half cock and full cock and aligns squarely with what looks to be the original nipple. The markings on the .577 caliber barrel are Birmingham proof marks. The original ramrod accompanies the gun, but the threaded section is broken off. The bore is dark and rusty, but the rifling is still visible. The rear ladder sight is graduated out to 800 yards. The barrel, bands, lock plate, sling swivels and ramrod all have a dark chocolate patina. The brass trigger guard and butt plate fit the stock like a glove, and have a dark patina also. My guess is this one sat in the attic for quite some time. The action still works like a champ though, holding at half and full cock. When you squeeze the trigger the hammer snaps forwards crisply. This is an honest example of an early Civil War rifled musket that could have seen service on either side.

Item # AA860

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