The most popular imported long-arm North and South, the British Pattern 1853 rifle musket was brought into this country in large numbers by Confederate and U.S. government authorities, various states, and commercial enterprises, whether established military goods dealers, entrepreneurs, or blockade runners. This is the standard configuration produced by several London and Birmingham firms and rates in fine to excellent condition. The lock bears a crisp “Tower” and crown stamp at the rear of the lock plate, an 1862 date forward, and barrel view and proofmarks on the left of the barrel near the breech that include two “25” stamps, indicating the rifle is 25-bore, or .577 caliber.

The rifle is complete, with all bands, swivels, sights (including ladder,) and rod in place. The brass mounts have a mellow patina. The wood has good edges and shows a rich light brown. The metal has better than 90 percent of its blue, turning a thin plum brown. At some point in the past someone applied a thin coat of lacquer over both the wood and the metal to preserve the colors. We have left it in place, but it could be removed. The screw slots are crisp. The hammer screw has had a thin washer added to it to keep the hammer tight.

The wood below the hammer, aft of the nipple shows lighter by just the tiniest bit, indicating the gun has been fired, but there is no burn-out and the nipple is good.

The wood to metal fit around the lock, breechplug tang and barrel is tight. There are just a few light handling marks and a few stains along the forestock. One short, hairline surface crack extends forward from the upper end of the lock plate. The right butt flat has some handling marks midway toward the butt that have darkened over time. The left has some similar light marks and a few tiny paint splatters that will clean. The counterpane has one short S-shaped pressure dent or drag line next to the upper lock screw. The mechanics are good. The action is tight. The bore shows dark and could use a cleaning. It is likely to show some light peppering or a little pitting, but there is evident rifling.

This is a very nice example of a well-known, standard Civil War long arm used by both sides in very large numbers. It would complement a general arms or Civil War collection and also be appropriate for one focused on either U.S. or C.S. weapons and gear.  [sr]

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