CONFEDERATE “J S / [anchor]” MARKED P1853 ENFIELD RIFLE, DATED 1863

$4,250.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 534-39

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

This Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle is a .577 caliber muzzleloader measuring approximately 55” long overall with a 39” long barrel. Features “1863 / TOWER” stamps on lock plate and also stamped with “J S / [anchor]” on the top of the stock near the butt plate tang.

Much of the barrel surface is smooth with overall brown tone. There are some small dings around each of the barrel bands and significant pitting at the breech. Viewer and proof stamps remain visible on the left side of breech along with the “25” bore size. There is heavy pitting around the bolster and on the back side of the hammer. The top of the barrel breech features an amazingly deep “pit” next to the nipple. This corrosion along with adjacent “burnout” and wood damage around the bolster is further evidence of Confederate usage. The imported English and Southern-made percussion caps are known to have been more powerful and more corrosive than their Northern counterparts and caused these tell-tale signs. The combination bayonet lug/blade sight is found at the muzzle with the flip-up, long-range rear sight at the breech. The bore shows rifling amid scattered dirt and oxidation, but would likely be better after a good cleaning.

The lock plate bears the clear stamping of “1863 / TOWER” in front of hammer. A large English crown stamped behind the hammer. Thin, two-line tooling along the edges. Hammer also has lined tooling around edge and textured pad on thumb spur. Mechanics are crisp and strong. An original “snap cap” (nipple protector) chain is still attached to the swivel with some sort of homemade leather piece replacing the lost iron “cap”. Original nipple shows wear matching bolster.

This rifle features the attractive brass furniture that Enfield rifles are known for: trigger guard, washers, butt plate and nose cap. Sling swivels are mounted on the trigger guard and front barrel band. Other components include the three iron barrel bands. There is no ramrod present.

Other than the “burn out” mentioned above, the Walnut stock is in nice shape with only the usual minor dings and scratches; all typical from age and use. Of highest importance is the English viewer’s mark of “J S” over an anchor lightly stamped into the wood stock near the tang of the brass butt plate. This is accepted as the mark of viewer James Smiles for the London Armoury Company on guns sold to the Confederate War Department.

A nice 1863-dated Enfield rifle with Confederate marking.  [jet][ph:L]

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