Original U.S. Civil War 110th New York Volunteer Infantry 3rd Model P-1853 Enfield Three Band Percussion Export Short Rifle - Marked Tower 1862

Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here a great honest used example of a 3rd Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Short Rifle Musket, as produced in England with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. The three steel barrel bands are held on with screw pressure, as typical of the 3rd model. The screws are not recessed, as they would be on the "Baddeley" type bands used on the later 4th model. It features a 34 inch barrel, shorter than the usual 39 inches, however we see no signs of modification, and the ramrod is the right length with a threaded end, so it was made as a "short rifle".

This example was purchased directly from the family of a Civil War Veteran who was in the 110th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and the gun looks to be marked to Company "E". They also included some pages of printed research from the internet. Definitely a very interesting offering we very rarely see! The lock on this lovely rifled musket is marked 1862 / TOWER at the bottom of the lock plate, and it is marked with a QUEEN'S CROWN to the rear of the hammer. However, there is NO V.R. under the crown. This indicates that this weapon was not intended for a British Military contract but was aimed at the Overseas market, most specifically the United States, who were embroiled in its most terrible Civil War.

As a weapon destined for export it should have the right hand side of the butt stamped with a roundel stating "BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS TRADE", however this marking is now GONE due to wear. There is however a faint maker mark on the bottom of the butt stock, however it is too faint to read. The barrel bears British Proof Marks, which are still relatively clear. They are the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. There is also the CROWN / BP definitive proof, and two 24 markings, indicating "24 bore" or about .579".

This example is a bit different than previous examples we have had, as this is a FEDERAL rifle, which is interesting as most of the Birmingham made guns were bought up by Confederate purchasing agents. However it is always possible that it was captured from a blockade runner, or that Federal purchasing agents were able to acquire some from the city as well.

The rifle is marked on the trigger guard tang with 85. E. 110. N.Y.V., indicating issue to the 110th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company E. We assume the "85" is the rack or weapon number in the company. This regiment was also known as the "Oswego County Regiment", as it was raised from that county in New York, located on the South East shore of Lake Ontario. The specific companies were generally recruited from specific areas within the county, and Company "E" came from Mexico, New Haven and Palermo, in the North of the County.

The regiment was organized at beginning May 23, 1862 and mustered in for three-years service on August 27, 1862 under the command of Colonel DeWitt Clinton Littlejohn. They were deployed throughout the war, involved many wartime defensive actions, though they do not look to have seen service at any major battles. The regiment was later mustered out of service on August 28, 1865. We found the following lovely historical websites with further information on the regiment, with more detailed history:

• 110th New York Volunteers History.
• 110th Infantry Regiment at the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.

A similar Short Rifle edition of this same weapon, dated 1861, appears on the Cover of THE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD by Captain Steven W. Knott, U.S.N. (Ret). with a write up on pages 44 and 45. In addition there is a photograph of the proof marks of this known Confederate Soldier's Rifle on the Title page of the book which are completely identical to those on this weapon. This excellent book states that the Confederate Buying Agents, Josiah Gorgas and Caleb Huse purchased over 350,000 European Rifles between 1861 and 1865, over 250,000 of these were the Percussion Enfield Rifled Muskets and 100,000 were Austrian Percussion arms.

The Union also imported Enfields which were highly prized by Federal soldiers more so than the Union made arms apparently. The Confederacy however contracted for the greater number which in most cases were transported by "BLOCKADE RUNNERS" based in Bermuda. Well documented in the THE CONFEDERATE ENFIELD book.

The rifle is in very good service used condition overall, and looks to have cleaned and cared for over the years since the war, which has unfortunately worn down the markings on the stock and metalwork a bit. However, it still has most of its parts present, including the rear sight, cleaning rod, and both sling swivels. The rear sight has suffered damage to the left side ramp, and the slider is missing, probably having broken off over a century ago.

The metalwork for the most part shows a lovely gray oxidized patina, except for the lock plate, which looks to have been cleaned more often. The lock is fully functional, and holds correctly at half cock, only firing at full. There is some powder burn around the cap nipple cone bolster, however the nipple cone still looks to be original, just worn. We checked the bore, and there is still clear three groove rifling easily visible, showing some light overall wear and past fouling, now cleaned away.

The stock is in good original condition with a lovely color, showing over a century of polishing and cleaning. It looks like it was probably waxed or oiled at some point, and really just has a great look. There are the expected dents, dings, small chips, and other issues we would expect, but it only adds to the great appeal of this piece.

Really a great example of a Union Marked P-1853 Enfield rifle, one of the few that we have ever had. Ready to display and research!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 34 inches 
Overall Length: 49 1/4 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.