Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original British-made Pattern 1853 Enfield 3rd Model three band percussion rifle musket dated 1862 and produced for the export market during the American Civil War. It retains its brass buttplate, trigger guard, and nose cap, three screw-retained steel barrel bands, Birmingham commercial proof marks, functional percussion lock, visible three-groove rifling, and repaired walnut stock. The rear sight is installed backward, the ramrod is a modern reproduction, and no surviving markings establish a specific Union, Confederate, state, or individual service history.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle musket was one of the most important military long arms of the mid-19th century. Large quantities were imported into the United States during the Civil War and used by both Union and Confederate forces, making the Enfield second only to the Springfield pattern rifle muskets in overall American wartime use.

This example is the 3rd Model variation. Its three steel barrel bands are secured by external screw pressure. The screws are not recessed into Baddeley type bands, as encountered on the later 4th Model pattern.

The lockplate is marked:

1862
TOWER

A Queen’s Crown is stamped behind the hammer, but there is no V.R. marking beneath it. The absence of the royal cypher indicates commercial or export production rather than acceptance under a standard British government contract.

This export configuration is consistent with arms produced for overseas sale during the American Civil War. It does not, by itself, establish whether the rifle was purchased or used by the Union, Confederacy, an American state government, or another customer.

The expected Birmingham Small Arms Trade roundel is no longer visible on the right side of the buttstock. It may have been lost through wear, cleaning, or earlier stock work, but its former presence cannot now be confirmed.

The barrel retains Birmingham commercial proof markings, including:

CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC
25
CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V
25
CROWN / BP

The BPC marking represents the Birmingham proof, while the V marking indicates viewing or inspection. The two 25 marks identify the barrel under the period British bore system, corresponding to approximately .577 caliber.

A comparable 1861 dated short rifle is illustrated in The Confederate Enfield by Captain Steven W. Knott, U.S.N. (Ret.). That documented rifle carries similar Birmingham commercial proof marks. The similarity confirms the general British commercial proof system and export character of this example, but identical proof marks do not establish that this particular rifle was purchased by the Confederacy.

Confederate purchasing agents acquired large quantities of European arms during the Civil War, including many Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle muskets. Union authorities also imported and issued substantial numbers of Enfields. Without surviving Confederate inventory, state, viewer, or numbered export markings, this rifle’s specific American wartime destination remains unknown.

The rifle remains in very good service used condition. The rear sight is of the correct pattern but has been installed facing backward.

The sight does not appear recently installed. It may have been fitted incorrectly during an earlier repair or period of use, though the date and circumstances cannot be determined.

The ramrod is present but is a modern reproduction.

Both sling swivels remain installed and functional. The upper swivel is notably stiff.

The lock holds securely at half cock and mechanically releases from full cock.

The metalwork shows wear consistent with substantial use. The barrel and barrel bands display old oxidation, staining, and scattered surface pitting.

More extensive corrosion and pitting are present around the percussion bolster and nipple area, where black powder and cap residue commonly caused deterioration.

The percussion nipple appears to be an older replacement because it lacks the expected square base. It is now oxidized and damaged.

The bore retains clearly visible three-groove rifling. Fouling and oxidation are present throughout, but no areas of major internal rust pitting were observed.

The walnut stock remains in good overall condition and has developed an attractive aged color. Its surfaces show extensive wear and appear to have been reduced through repeated cleaning and handling during the rifle’s service life.

A repaired crack extends through the breech and lock area on both sides of the stock. This is a structurally vulnerable location on Pattern 1853 arms because considerable wood was removed to inlet the lock and barrel breech.

With its clear 1862 Tower marking, export-pattern lock without V.R. cypher, Birmingham commercial proofs, correct 3rd Model barrel bands, functional lock, surviving three-groove rifling, brass furniture, and honest service wear, this is an appealing Civil War era Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle musket. The absent stock roundel, unproven American or Confederate service history, backward rear sight, reproduction ramrod, stiff swivel, oxidized replacement nipple, metal pitting, bore fouling, worn stock, and repaired breech-area crack are fully disclosed. It would display particularly well in a Civil War imported arms, British Enfield, Pattern 1853, Union and Confederate small arms, or advanced 19th century military firearms collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1862
Model: P-1853 Enfield Rifle Musket
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 39 inches 
Overall Length: 55 1/4 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.