Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is a nice service used example of the 3rd Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, as produced in England with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. The three steel barrel bands are held on with screw pressure, as 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 1863 / TOWER at the bottom of the lock plate, 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 example bears another marking:

C. E. LEWIS
MAKER
BIRMINGHAM

It is our understanding that this is another marking commonly seen on Confederate-linked P-1853 Enfield Rifles. The barrel bears British Proof Marks, which are still relatively 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 two 25 markings, indicating "25 bore" or about .571". There is also a CL stamping on the top of the barrel, probably for C Lewis. We have noted that the rear sight was removed long ago, which is a very common modification on Confederate Enfield rifles.

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 conditions were often such that little time was available for such niceties upon importation. There are however several small wood stamps that we have not been able to identify. We speculate it probably arrived in 1863-64, having been produced in 1863, and definitely has some great potential for future research.

The rifle is in very good condition overall, and does not look like it saw extensive use during the war, or afterwards. The metalwork has a lovely brown aged oxidized patina, particularly on the barrel and lock, while the barrel bands saw a bit more oxidation, and were cleaned at some point, giving them a matte finish. The brass trigger guard, butt plate, and nose cap are all lovely. As mentioned previously the rear sight is missing, and the original cleaning rod looks to have been replaced during the period. Both sling swivels are present and move relatively easily. The lock is fully functional, and holds correctly at half cock, only firing at full. We did notice that the tang screw was out a bit, but not before photography, after which it screwed in correctly.

We checked the bore, and the three groove rifling is still easily visible, with scattered areas of oxidation and fouling throughout. It looks to have seen light service, but was probably not cleaned properly afterwards. The stock has a lovely red brown color, and shows only light signs of use, which could definitely be from post war storage. There are no cracks or other major damage, and only minimal wear, making it one of the best P-1853 stocks that we have seen in some time.

A very nice example of a P-1853 three 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: 39 inches 
Overall Length: 55 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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