Item:
ON9125

Original U.S. Civil War Confederate Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle P-1853 - Dated 1864

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. The Enfield 1853 rifle-musket was used by both the North and the South in the American Civil War, and was the second most widely used infantry weapon in the war, surpassed only by the Springfield Model 1861 Rifled Musket. The Confederates imported more Enfields during the course of the war than any other small arm, buying from private contractors and gun runners. It has been estimated that over 900,000 P53 Enfields were imported to America and saw service in every major engagement from the Battle of Shiloh (April, 1862) and the Siege of Vicksburg (May 1863), to the final battles of 1865. The gun was highly sought after in the Confederate ranks. According to a survey taken by British officials during the early stages of war on the arms of the Western Confederate Forces, nearly 70% were armed with smoothbore arms, such as the Model 1842 Springfield, among others. Later in the war the same survey was taken, they found that more than 75% had attained a rifle and most being the Pattern 1853 Enfield.

Ultimately the British Government withdrew active support for the Confederacy. However, the illicit gun trade flourished. Confederate buyers now being rebuffed by the British Government turned to private sellers with the help of many British Companies. There is an excellent book on this subject titled THE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD by Capt. Steven Knott, U.S.N. Retired

This publication published in 2013 tells the story about how the trade worked and was carried out. Anything you want to know about Enfield Rifles the Confederacy bought and received is discussed. The P-1853 Percussion Rifle we offer today is just such a rifle as described in Captain Knott’s book.

The lock is marked:

1864

TOWER

Barrel has British proof marks and the butt is stamped 67. Once the weapons were received into the Confederacy various states also added markings but not always.

All in all, this particular rifle is in WONDERFUL condition with metal, wood and brass being very clean.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.

  • This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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