This fine condition, original British longarm is a .577 caliber, Enfield Pattern 1853, Tower-marked rifle-musket. Of all the British arms, the Pattern 1853 rifle-musket is perhaps the best known and regarded longarm.

The musket measures a total length of 55” and is fitted with a 39” long barrel. Barrel has had its long range rear sight replaced with a standard v-notch sight. Standard iron blade front sight. Lockplate surface is smooth, with a dark patina. Lock markings are the standard Victoria’s “crown” behind the hammer and “1861 / TOWER” in front. Hammer bears the same gray coloring with the standard engraved marks in the upper right side area under spur. Mechanics are strong.

Barrel surface appears untouched and exhibits the same dark patina. Heavy surface pitting is evident around the breech and bolster. Viewer marks and proof marks (“25”) are lightly visible on the barrel’s left breech area amid the pitting. The bore is clear and with patchy areas of light pitting. The three-groove rifling is worn. Musket retains original barrel bands and two sling swivels. The sling swivel at the upper barrel band looks like a replacement. Has original brass nose cap.

Walnut stock is strong with a smooth, uncleaned surface. One hairline crack (1/2” long) runs from the rear of the lockplate. Wood shows minor dings, dents and light scuffs from honest age and use. A name and initials are found in the wood. “Jos. E. P____” is the best I can make out. A small piece of wood is missing between the barrel tang and the hammer, directly behind the bolster. All screw heads are in good shape except those on the barrel bands which show some damage. Spaded brass washers untouched. Has original ramrod with thread end broken off. Original brass butt plate has roman number chiseled on the tang, “XCIII”.  Lightly stamped into the top of the shoulder stock is “SL” within a circle. Both of these are believed to be Confederate markings.

An original English Tower-marked, 1861, Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle Musket with Confederate viewer’s marks.  [jet]

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!