Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is a very nice example of the 4th Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. The three steel barrel bands are held on with screw pressure, as typical of the 4th model, and bear faded British Proof marks. They are the correct "Baddeley" style bands, which have recessed screws, designed to prevent the screws on the bands from catching on things. The lock is marked 1861 / TOWER below the cap bolster, and it is also marked with a QUEEN'S CROWN / V. R. to the rear of the hammer. This indicates military production for the British empire. 

The breech end of the barrel bears a collection of British proof marks, on the left side including a partial CROWN / TP / BROAD ARROW "Tower Proof", among others, which can probably be used to identify the maker and inspectors. There is some type of roundel marking on the right side of the butt stock, however it looks to be spurious, probably added by someone to attempt to increase the value of the gun. The metalwork has been cleaned repeatedly, which has unfortunately removed the smaller markings that might be present on the smaller components.

The metalwork of the rifle shows overall light peppering in many places, now cleaned away. This has made the geometry of some areas a bit more "soft' than they originally were, and worn away the markings in many areas. The rifle also looks to have seen rather extensive use and much cleaning while still in service. The rear sight is still present, however the slider is missing from the ladder. Both sling swivels are present and move easily, though the trigger guard swivel is quite loose due to wear to the brass. The lock is partially functional, as it will fire from half cock, and if fully cocked will only drop to half cock when the trigger is pulled. We checked the bore, and we can still the original three groove rifling, but it is definitely worn. There is past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away.

The stock definitely shows wear and past damage and subsequent repairs. There is a crack running from the rear lock screw to the breech area, definitely a common place to see these, and there are also some cracks around the lock plate as well. The butt stock has some wood plug repairs, and there also appears to be one on the left side between the lock screws.

A great chance to pick up a well used British-Issued P-1853 Rifled Musket, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1861
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 39 inches 
Overall Length: 55 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.