This is an unusual variation of the Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, known to collectors as the Windsor Enfield. This musket was built in the United States, under contract for the British Government, by the firm of Robbins & Lawrence of Windsor, Vermont.

This is a Type II P-1853 rifle musket. The primary features that separate it from the much more common Type III P-1853 (which was the version primarily used during the American Civil War), are solid barrel bands that are retained by band springs (instead of screw fastened bands) and a ramrod with a swell near the tip, similar to the US M-1855 & 1861 ramrods.

This gun is one of only about 16,000 produced by Robbins & Lawrence for the British government during the Crimean War. Due to production problems and the end of the Crimean War, the “Windsor” contract was cancelled. Afterwards, those guns that were delivered to the British were quickly deemed 2nd Class as they were of an obsolete pattern (Type II instead of Type III) and most were likely sent to arm colonial and empire forces. Stores of these muskets remaining in America were sold to Mexican Nationalist fighting against Emperor Maximillian I in Mexico and still others sold to southern states during 1860 and early 1861. An 1863 letter from Confederate Lt. Brown, lists “Windsor” among the makers noted on the locks of Enfield arms being repaired at the Richmond Artillery Workshop.

This specimen of the Robbins & Lawrence “Windsor Enfield” is in very good overall condition.

The round barrel is smooth with tiny “pinpricks” of pitting scattered mostly on rear half toward the breech. Various inspector/viewer marks on breech. Among these are a large “S” and opposed broad arrows (i.e. point to point). These specific stampings mark this as an arm sold out of the British service. The bore is dark with patchy oxidation but retains strong three groove rifling. The gun retains its original long-range rear sight, as well as the original front sight/bayonet lug.

The lock plate is marked with a Crown behind the hammer, “1856 / WINDSOR” forward of the hammer, and a worn British military inspection mark forward of that. The inside of the lock is marked with a crown over “A”, indicating that a British ordnance viewer inspected it. The “A” indicated the location of manufacture; in this case, America. Mechanics are crisp and strong but does not come to full cock.

The barrel bands are the solid band type and show worn inspection marks. The original full-length, swelled shank, jag-head ramrod is present in the channel under the barrel and retains its threads at the opposite end. The original sling swivels are in place. The brass furniture has a nice mellow patina. The tang of the brass butt plate is stamped “R.S.D.M. / 570”.

The stock is in very good condition. As would be expected, the stock shows the usual minor bumps, dings and some light service wear of a 150-year-old military musket. The walnut has a nice color to it. The right side of the butt also has the opposed broad arrow stamp as on the barrel breech.

A nice, complete American-made Enfield rifle.  [jet]

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