Original U.S. Civil War 3rd Model P-1853 Enfield Percussion Export Rifle by Potts & Hunt with Figured Stock

Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is a beautiful example of a 3rd Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, as produced in England with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. It has been fully cleaned and restored to put it in its best light, and features a fantastic figured stock, something we rarely see on these guns. The three steel barrel bands are held on with screw pressure, as typical of the 3rd model. The lock is marked POTTS & HUNT / LONDON, and there is no "Crown" or "V.R." marking on the lock plate tail. The barrel does bear the correct British Proof Markings of the CROWN / GP (Gunmaker’s Proof) and CROWN / V (Viewed) markings from the London Gun company, though they are faded from powder burn. Between these is a faint number 25, indicating "25 bore" or about .571".

The lack of the Crown and/or V.R. lock marking indicates that this weapon was not intended for a British Military contract, but was instead aimed at the Overseas market. At the time this was specifically the United States who were embroiled in its most terrible Civil War.

As a weapon destined for the Americas 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, or possibly was never added. The only stock marking we can see is what looks to be J.C on the left side of the stock right next to the wrist. There are none of the usual markings we would expect from a Confederate accepted gun, which would be examined by the agents in England. 

Lack of markings on an export Enfield from Potts & Hunt actually can indicate that it was in fact a FEDERAL import, as in reality the British gunmakers were happy to supply anyone with money. COLT had worked with Potts & Hunt prior to the war, and they often acted as importing agents for Potts & Hunt. There are confirmed orders placed by the U.S. Ordnance department with Colt during the war for P-1853 Enfields, however unfortunately the area of the barrel where any Colt markings might have been is eroded from powder burn. We did however notice that the brass nose cap is marked with 91 / G / 6, a marking we are not familiar with, and the ramrod is is marked on the end with 1444. Definitely some nice research potential here!

The gun is in great condition, with a beautiful figured stock and cleaned metalwork with a lovely polished patina. It definitely shows signs of use and wear consistent with military service but was cleaned and serviced to put it in its best light. The rear sight is intact with a functional slider, as is the front sight, and the rifle still has both sling swivels and the original cleaning / ramrod. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is a bit of past fowling and oxidation, however this is really a great bore for a Civil War era percussion rifle. It appears that the percussion nipple has been replaced, likely after the Civil War.

A very nice example of a P-1853 three band export percussion rifle with a strong Civil War connection. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: c.1863
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 39 inches 
Overall Length: 54 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.