{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-era-3rd-model-p-1856-enfield-two-band-percussion-export-rifle-marked-1861-tower","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Era 3rd Model P-1856 Enfield Two Band Percussion Export Rifle marked 1861 Tower","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock is marked\u003cstrong\u003e 1861 \/ TOWER\u003c\/strong\u003e below the cap bolster, and it is marked with a \u003cstrong\u003eQUEEN'S CROWN\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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 \u003cstrong\u003eGONE\u003c\/strong\u003e due to wear. The barrel bears British Proof Marks, though they are somewhat faded. They are the correct Birmingham proof marks, with the \u003cstrong\u003eCrown over Crossed Scepters\u003c\/strong\u003e \"Viewed\" and \"Proved\" markings, and the often seen \u003cstrong\u003e25\u003c\/strong\u003e marking, for 25 bore\/gauge (.577\"). There is also the \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ BP\u003c\/strong\u003e marking, usually seen during this time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA similar Short Rifle edition of this same weapon, dated 1861, appears on the Cover of \u003cem\u003eTHE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cem\u003eTHE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD\u003c\/em\u003e book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore still shows clear \u003cstrong\u003e5 groove\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice example of a personalized P-1856 two band percussion rifle with a possible CSA connection. Ready to display and research!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1861\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: .58 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmunition Type: .577 Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder with Percussion Cap\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 33 inches \u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 48 1\/2 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction: Side Action Percussion Lock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39806284333125,"sku":"ONJRRC2205","price":1750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJRRC2205__19.jpg?v=1644615579","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-era-3rd-model-p-1856-enfield-two-band-percussion-export-rifle-marked-1861-tower","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}