This classic original British longarm is an 1862-dated, ‘Tower’ marked Enfield Pattern 1853 specimen manufactured by Tower, a private Birmingham, England arms facility. In good overall condition, this single-shot, muzzleloading rifle-musket measures a total length of 54½” and features a 38½” long barrel mated to a black walnut stock. Barrel, which has been heavily cleaned, shows a bright surface scheen scattered with moderate rust pitting. Bolster area and hammer is also heavily pitted. The lockplate surface is medium gray and exhibits a mottled mild peppery look from scattered fine rust pitting. No original colors remain. Lock markings bear the standard Victoria monogram of a “crown” back of the hammer but without the ‘V R’, indicating a likely British export. Sharp block letters “TOWER / 1862” are displayed on the lockplate in front of the hammer. Mechanics are rough.

The export proof marks on the left side of barrel breech are barely visible from the cleaning and exhibit a provisional proof mark, a gauge mark (25) for .577 caliber, viewer’s marks, and another gauge stamp. Upper swivel is mounted to the upper barrel band while the lower swivel is fastened to the trigger guard. Buttplate, stock cap, trigger guard and the distinct side screw washers are all brass. The ramrod features a slotted, knurled tip head with a tip that has the threading cut off. Long range sliding leaf rear sight is a replacement.

Black walnut stock is in strong condition and exhibits a large gouge at the breech behind the barrel tang. Tang shows a modern screw. Stock has no cracks and has the recessed cheek piece on the right side. Wood is uncleaned. Main contractor, “JAMES WEBLEY”, is stamped on the underside of the butt stock. No cracks but stock does show minor dings, dents and light scuffs from age and use.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!