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. It has a bayonet stand on the right side of the barrel near the muzzle for attachment of a Yataghan saber bayonet.

The lock is marked 1863 / 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. The right hand side of the butt is stamped with a legible roundel stating BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS TRADE around the BSAT / CROWN logo, a definitive marking for an export rifle, almost all of which were intended for the Confederate market.

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 is stamped W. TRANTER, for the well-known British gunmaker and gun designer famous for inventing the Tranter revolver. Based in Birmingham, the company became involved in production of export Enfield rifles, like many other smaller makers. As the makers were often 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. There is however the number 51 stamped into the both sides as well as the spine of the butt stock, and also stamped on the barrel nocks form. We speculate it would have probably arrived in 1864, having been produced in 1863.

The gun is in good service used 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. The stock shows wear and denting consistent with long use, very common on Confederate issued weapons. 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 tapered threaded end. Really a nice complete example here!

The bore still shows the original 3 groove rifling, however there is definitely fouling and oxidation near the muzzle, with a better looking fore further towards the breech end. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. The rear sight is intact and functional, though the slider is definitely loose and require adjustment.

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: 1863
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 33 1/2 inches 
Overall Length: 49 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.