Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is a nice service used example of the 3rd Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, as produced in England with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. The three steel barrel bands are held on with screw pressure, as typical of the 3rd model. The screws are not recessed, as they would be on the "Baddeley" type bands used on the later 4th model.

The lock is marked 1862 / TOWER below the cap bolster, and it is marked with a QUEEN'S CROWN to the rear of the hammer. However, there is NO V.R. under the crown. This indicates that this weapon was not intended for a British Military contract but was aimed at the Overseas market, most specifically the United States, who were embroiled in its most terrible Civil War.

As a Confederate destined weapon it is marked with a visible roundel stating BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS TRADE surrounding a CROWN / B / S A / T. This cartouche is very often worn away, so it's great to see an example where it is still crisp! Additionally, the underside of the butt stock toe is marked with a partial COOPER & GOOD[MAN] marking, and there is a faint C & G by the trigger guard with another proof. This indicates that the gun was made and / or assembled by a "Master Contractor" of the Birmingham Small Arms Trade organization, Cooper & Goodman. The company would assemble guns for the trade using components produced by itself as well as other members of the trade group.

The firm of Cooper & Goodman was a joint effort between Birmingham gun-making mogul Joseph Rock Cooper and John D. Goodman. The firm operated from 1857 to 1886 at two locations, 77 Bagot Street & 32 Woodcock Street, and specialized in the manufacture of guns, pistols and gun barrels. A number of Cooper & Goodman contract guns exist with Confederate inspection marks and/or engraved inventory numbers on their buttplates.

The barrel bears British Proof Marks, which are still relatively clear. They are the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. There is also the CROWN / BP definitive proof, and two 25 markings, indicating "25 bore" or about .571". There also looks to be a maker name or maybe a partial "STEEL" marking on top of the barrel, but there is a lot of powder burn on the breech area, so it is not legible. There are also proof marks on most of the smaller components, with some possible maker marks, making this a rifle ripe for further research.

A similar Short Rifle edition of this same weapon, dated 1861, appears on the Cover of THE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD by Captain Steven W. Knott, U.S.N. (Ret). with a write up on pages 44 and 45. In addition there is a photograph of the proof marks of this known Confederate Soldier's Rifle on the Title page of the book which are completely identical to those on this weapon. This excellent book states that the Confederate Buying Agents, Josiah Gorgas and Caleb Huse purchased over 350,000 European Rifles between 1861 and 1865, over 250,000 of these were the Percussion Enfield Rifled Muskets and 100,000 were Austrian Percussion arms.

The Union also imported Enfields which were highly prized by Federal soldiers more so than the Union made arms apparently. The Confederacy however contracted for the greater number which in most cases were transported by "BLOCKADE RUNNERS" based in Bermuda. Well documented in the THE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD book.

We found no specific STATE Markings on our rifle, however conditions were often such that little time was available for such niceties upon importation. Also with the amount of service this rifle has seen, all markings on the wood stock have long since been worn away. We speculate it probably arrived in 1862-63, having been produced in 1862.

The rifle is in very good service used condition overall, and is complete with the rear sight, both sling swivels, and all three barrel bands. The ramrod rod is present as well, though it definitely shows rust damage from long neglect. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing only at the full cock position, though the mainspring is quite strong, so it can be difficult to move. The metalwork has been cleaned to put it in its best light, but definitely shows past oxidation, particularly near the cap nipple cone bolster, where powder burn would have caused corrosion. The bore still shows clear three groove rifling, though there is definitely past fouling and oxidation on the interior. We usually see these export rifles with bores like stovepipes, so it is definitely well above average.

The stock is in very good original condition with a lovely color. IT shows signs of long service and cleaning from use, which has made some of the markings faint, and unfortunately probably removed any CSA import markings if they were present. It does not show any major damage, cracking, or chunks missing, just the expected denting and scratches from service.

A very nice example of a P-1853 three band percussion rifle with a very strong CSA connection and some great research potential. Ready to display and research!

Specifications (Rifle):-

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

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