Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is a nice example of the 3rd Model Pattern 1856 Enfield Short Rifle 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, 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 1861 / 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 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. The barrel bears British Proof Marks, though they are somewhat faded. They are the correct Birmingham proof marks, with the Crown over Crossed Scepters "Viewed" and "Proved" markings, and the often seen 25 marking, for 25 bore/gauge (.577"). There is also the CROWN / BP marking, usually seen during this time.

The bottom of the butt stock has a name stamped into it, which reads "JOSEPH", however the rest of it is not legible. As the makers were not able to mark the locks on these examples, they would often mark the stock as a form of advertisement.

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 after 1863 conditions were 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 1862-3, having been produced in 1861.

The gun is in good condition, with a nice stock and metalwork with a lovely oxidized patina. It does show signs of past pitting and powder burn, especially near the cap bolster. There is also damage to the wood around the lock plate. The rifle still has both barrel bands present, and the correct mounting lug for a P-1856 bayonet. It still has the original correct short cleaning rod with a threaded end, as well as a nipple cone protector on a chain. Really a nice complete example here!

The bore still shows clear 5 groove rifling, with some wear to the lands. There is also the expected oxidation and fouling from use. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.

A very nice example of a personalized P-1856 two band percussion rifle with a possible CSA connection. Ready to display and research!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1861
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 33 inches 
Overall Length: 48 1/2 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.