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 walnut stock has seen a lot of use. There are bumps, nicks and dings from the nose cap all the way to the butt plate. The wood to the rear of the lockplate has a couple of small holes and an age crack about 1/2" long. A small 1/4" x 5/8" piece of stock is missing directly behind the hammer. On the flat opposite the lockplate is another age crack, approximately 5" long. The cracks are not major problems, mentioned for accuracy. The wood itself has a dark, almost black tone. 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. A replacement ramrod accompanies the gun. The bore is dark and moderately pitted, but the rifling is still visible. The rear ladder sight is graduated out to 800 yards. The top piece of the sight is missing. The barrel, bands, lock plate, nose cap and sling swivels 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. This is an honest example of an early Civil War rifled musket that could have seen service on either side.

Item # AA901

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