Of all the British arms, the Pattern 1853 rifle-musket is perhaps the best known and most highly regarded weapon that replaced all earlier infantry models in the British Army. Just over 500,000 Pattern 1853 muskets were purchased/imported by the US Ordnance Department during the Civil War. This classic British longarm is an 1862-dated, Tower marked Enfield manufactured by the private arms facility at Birmingham, England.

In overall very good original condition, this single-shot, muzzleloading rifle-musket measures a total length of 55” and features a 39” long barrel mated to a black walnut stock. Barrel is rifled with three strong lands and grooves. Bore is dirty but should clean to semi-bright. Iron lockplate surface shows some light case colors. Lock markings bear the standard Victoria monogram of a “crown” back of the hammer but without the ‘V R’ marks indicating it is a likely British export. Pronounced block letters “1862 / TOWER” are displayed on the lockplate in front of hammer. Mechanics are strong. Entire barrel has a plumb brown patina with scattered pin prick surface pitting at breech. Export proof marks on the left side of barrel breech are strong and clear and exhibit a provisional proof mark, a gauge mark (24) for .58 caliber, viewer’s marks and gauge stamps. Top of barrel has long-range, sliding leaf rear sight that is graduated up to 900 yards.

Wood stock is in good overall condition. Right side of butt has a wonderful carving that reads “C.G.Curtis.” Carving is clear and no doubt original. Behind this carving is “Ward & Sons Makers Birm.” stamped in a circle. Stock has no cracks but does have numerous small dings and dents from age and use. There is a small chip at rear of the barrel tang. All furniture on the weapon is brass and wears a dark patina. Clearly stamped on the tang of the buttplate is a “1” over a “7 Upper swivel is mounted to the upper barrel band while the lower swivel is fastened to the trigger guard. Buttplate, nose cap, trigger guard and the distinct side screw washers are all brass. The original ramrod features the knurled, slotted head and is firmly lodged in place.

Also attached to the weapon is an original leather sling in worn but complete condition. Sling bears the scratched initials “ACE.” No way to tell if it is original to the musket or an old replacement.

Charles G. Curtis was born in Newtown, Connecticut. When he enlisted as a Private in Company C, 17^th Connecticut Infantry on August 28, 1862 he was described as being 36 years old, 5’ 5” tall with a light complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. By profession he was a shoemaker. During his time with the regiment Curtis would reach the rank of Corporal being promoted on March 16, 1863.

The 17^th was assigned to the 11^th Corps of the Army of the Potomac and saw its first action at Chancellorsville in May of 1863. According to his pension records Private Curtis was not present at the battle due to the fact that he was taken with an attack of “bilious fever” at Bank’s Ford in April of 1863. Curtis did not return to the regiment until September or October of 1863. After his return Curtis was present until his discharge on July 19, 1865 at Hilton Head, S.C.

Curtis died in Newtown, Connecticut on January 8, 1913 and is buried in Zoar Cemetery there.   [ad]

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