Original U.S. Civil War 3rd Model P-1853 Enfield Three Band Percussion Export Rifle - Marked 1863 Tower

Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is a nice service used example of the 3rd Model Pattern 1853 Enfield 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.

The lock is marked 1863 / 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 Confederate destined weapon 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. 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 25 markings, indicating "25 bore" or about .571".

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.

We found no specific STATE Markings on our rifle, however conditions were often such that little time was available for such niceties upon importation. Also the rifle definitely saw a good amount of use and cleaning, which most likely removed any importation markings that were present. We speculate it probably arrived in 1863-64, having been produced in 1863.

The rifle is in very good service used condition overall, and looks to have seen service post war. The rear sight is present, however the leaf and slider are from some later type of rifle, possibly an early Springfield trapdoor. The cleaning rod looks to be a wartime arsenal replacement, and both sling swivels are still present and functional. The lock is functional, however it will fire at both full and half cock. The metalwork shows use in service, with some past oxidation on the barrel and barrel bands, and there is a good amount of powder burn around the cap bolster area. The cap nipple cone looks to have been replaced at some point. We checked the bore, and the three-groove rifling is still easily apparent, showing past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away.

The stock is in good original condition with a lovely color, looking to have been well-maintained and cleaned over the many years of its life. It definitely looks to have been worn down somewhat over the years, which has unfortunately removed any markings that were stamped into it. 

A very nice example of a P-1853 three band percussion rifle with a possible CSA connection! Ready to display and research!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 39 inches 
Overall Length: 55 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.