Original Item: Our resident antique gunsmith has been able to restore a few more, and now available for the first time in cleaned mechanically functioning condition*! The P-1853 .577 cal Percussion Rifle was also known as the legendary "Three Band Enfield". This extremely popular and rare model was the first rifle to become standard issue in the British Army.

These examples are complete and all original, each has the following features; 39" barrel with the signatures three steel bands, brass trigger guard, cleaning rod, functioning lock with nipple, adjustable ladder-back sight, and brass butt plate. This rifle changed military tactics with its capabilities; imported extensively for use in the U.S. Civil War. Overall condition good to very good. A very rare opportunity to own a significant piece of military history that greatly affected wars on three continents.

These weapons are from our 2003 acquisition of the Nepal Royal Arsenal. Date and origin of manufacture are unknown. We suspect they were manufactured in Nepal under British War Department supervision. Although it is possible that they were unmarked British Manufacture which the Nepalese then made their own.

The gun photographed is a typical example not the gun you will get, however, you will get one in similar or better condition.

*Note: Although, each rifle has been cleaned and resorted to mechanically functioning condition; it does not mean that IMA recommends these for shooting. In fact, anyone interested in shooting this 150+ year-old weapon should have his gun evaluated and prepared by a licensed gunsmith. IMA does not guarantee the operational function and does not recommend anyone attempt shooting this weapon.

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: c.1860
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: Approx. 39 inches (varies)
Overall Length: Approx. 56 inches (varies)
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: "Cleaned and Complete" antique guns are often cleaned to order, so these may not be available for same-day expedited shipping. International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.