Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket
Item #: AA3311
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This is a Pattern 1853 Enfield type III rifle musket from the American Civil War. The overall length of this weapon is 54 1/4", with a barrel length of 39". This particular gun was manufactured by the London firm of Potts & Hunt. The exterior of the barrel is smooth, with moderate pitting at the bolster and breech area. The surface of the barrel shows a dark, out of the attic patina. The bore of the barrel is turning dark with light scattered pitting and still shows some rifling. The left side of the barrel is stamped with the usual three London commercial proof, view and definitive proof marks, along with 25 indicating this is a .577 caliber weapon. This old long gun did some shooting in it's time, as a bore gage now shows it at .62 caliber. The original front sight is still present, as is the rear sight base. The soldier that used this weapon had to improvise a bit, as the graduated "ladder" part of the sight is missing. To make due, an improvised bar with a notch in the center has been friction fit into the base. I guess he just learned to adjust with that old "Tennessee" elevation! The lockplate is stamped in tow lines POTTS & HUNT/LONDON. There is no crown to the rear of the hammer, as this gun was made for the commercial market and not the British military. The lock is also missing the usual double boarder lines engraved around the perimeter. The mechanics of the lock function normally, the hammer holds at half cock and full cock. The patina of the lock matches that "attic black look of the barrel and bands. The front and rear sling swivels are both missing in action. The ramrod is also missing. The nose cap, trigger guard and butt plate are brass and have a dark chocolate patina. The stock is in good condition, having no major stress cracks or wood loss. It too has that dark, undisturbed look of having been locked away from the light of dark for many years. There is one interesting thing with this tock. The left side of the stock has been relieved from the butt plate up to the wrist, like the soldier carved himself a cheek rest into the stock. The barrel and ramrod channels are still pretty crisp and sharp. There are no visible stamps or cartouches to be found on the stock. The wood shows to be a nice medium brown walnut here and there. There are no import marks or cartouches to indicate this was a Confederate purchased weapon, but I'd be willing to bet is was carried by Johnny Reb! Either way, it is a good example of an untouched commercial made Enfield that made it's way into the American Civil War.
Shipping Weight:
8 lbs
Item # AA3311
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