Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle
Item #: AA3739
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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 55 1/2", with a barrel length of 39". This particular gun was manufactured by the Birmingham maker Tower. The exterior of the barrel is relatively smooth, with light patches of surface rust and pitting scattered about. The surface of the barrel that is exposed shows a mottled silverish/gray patina. The bore of the barrel is turning dark with light pitting and surface rust in just a couple of small areas. There is still some very visible rifling showing. The proof marks are still legible, reading from the breech are a crown over script BP, the number 25, crossed scepters with a crown in the top and the letter V in the bottom, the number 25 and crossed scepters with a crown in the top and the letters BPC in the other quadrants. These indicate the Birmingham Provisional Proof, caliber .577, The Birmingham viewers mark, caliber .577 and the Birmingham Proof House mark respectively. This old long gun did a bit of shooting in it's time, as a bore gage now shows it at .60 caliber. The original front sight is still present, and unlike so many Enfields, the rear sight is also reporting for duty! The lockplate is stamped with a crown to the rear of the hammer and 1863/TOWER forward of the hammer. The action functions normally, the hammer holds at half cock and full cock. The patina of the lock matches the barrel and bands. The rear sling swivel is present but the front sling swivel is missing. The ramrod still remains with the rifle. The nose cap, trigger guard and butt plate are brass, and all three have a matching light chocolate patina. The stock is in good condition, having no major stress cracks or wood loss. The barrel and ramrod channels are still pretty crisp and sharp. There is a faint Birmingham Small Arms Trade rondel on the left side of the stock. The stock shows a nice medium brown walnut color. With the date of 1863 this Enfield could have been imported by the Confederacy or the Union. No matter who used it, it's a nice example of the most imported longarm of the war.
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