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Item No.:	8698	Price :	$2,850.00
Item :	FINE PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD .577 CALIBER RIFLE MUSKET

Description :

This is an original, Civil War era British Pattern 1853 Rifle Musket assembled at the Tower in 1863. The P1853 was one of the finest weapons in the world at the period of the Civil War. These rifle muskets were imported and used in large numbers by both sides during the War. Firing a .577 hollow base conical bullet, they were renowned for their accuracy and reliability. This gun is in fine condition. The barrel retains about 70% of its original factory blued finish. There is a little pitting around the nipple bolster, typical of Civil War percussion arms. The barrel bands have some blue, but are mostly turning a smooth brown. The lock and hammer were case colored and retain some of the color, especially in the protected area around the hammer. The remainder of the color has faded to a dark blue/brown. The brass stock furniture has a nice golden brass patina with some darker spots of patina on the butt plate. The lock works perfectly. The mainspring is very heavy. The bore is good. It is dark and has some areas of significant pitting, but the rifling remains visible along its length. The stock is very fine. It is made of straight grained, English walnut and has a nice light brown color. There are just a few small dings and scratches from use. The right side of the butt is stamped "BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS TRADE" in an oval shaped cartouche. The belly of the butt stock has the stocker's name "ISAAC HOLLIS & SONS" stamped into the wood. Various gunmakers made the individual parts of these rifle muskets which were assembled at the Tower of London. The lock on this gun has a crown at the rear and "TOWER" over "1863" on the lockplate under the bolster. This is a great example of a rifle musket used by both sides during the Civil War. Stock no. 23028

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