Original Item: Only One Available. Over the years, IMA has purchased many collections and groups of antique guns, in which case we need to take all of them, as we did in Nepal. While these collections were generally full of guns that relatively good condition, they also had some that were less complete and unfortunately would take more restoration time than we were able to give them. We kept them in storage, possibly for future products, but have now decided to offer these "As Found" antique firearms to our customers as restoration projects. These are all original and as we received them, except for cleaning the dirt and grime off the exterior.

Please note that these are still real antique guns, and are being sold in "As is" condition at a significant discount from what they would sell at if we were to fully restore them. We will do our best to photograph and describe them and know that our customers will know exactly what they are getting. If they arrive and you find that they are not to your liking, they can be returned, however please be aware that there will most likely be restocking fees assessed. Please consult the high resolution pictures carefully before purchasing.

Offered here is a very nice "As Found" example of a 3rd Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle "2-Band" short rifled musket, as produced in England with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. The two steel barrel bands are held on with screw pressure, as typical of the 3rd model. The lock is marked POTTS & HUNT / LONDON, and there is no "Crown" or "V.R." marking on the lock plate tail. The barrel bears British Proof Marks, which are still partly 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 a 25 marking, indicating "25 bore" or about .577".

The lack of the V.R. lock marking indicates that this weapon was not intended for a British Military contract, but was instead aimed at the Overseas market. At the time this was specifically the United States who were embroiled in its most terrible Civil War. As a Confederate destined weapon it should have the right hand side of the butt stamped with a roundel stating BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS TRADE, however this marking is now GONE due to wear, as are any other markings that might have been on the stock.

This rifle has a good chance of being a Confederate imported British rifled musket, as documented in the excellent book THE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD by Captain Steven W. Knott, U.S.N. (Ret).. 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.

Condition Notes:
- Lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.
- Rear sight has been replaced, and replacement has been glued to the top of the barrel
- Entire fore stock looks to be replaced, with a joint under the rear sight.
- Cleaning rod is new made replacement
- Bore shows faint 3 groove rifling, with fouling and oxidation.

Please consult the high resolution (2000x2000) pictures for further details.

A nice "As Found" example of a P-1853 three band percussion rifle with some great research and restoration potential!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: c.1863
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 333 inches 
Overall Length: 49 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.

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.