This original English short rifle with its accompanying saber bayonet is a British Pattern Sergeant’s Model in very good condition. A handsome piece, this specimen is partially identified to what we believe is the Oxford University Volunteer Rifle Corps of Oxford, England sometime between 1859 and 1862. Promoted by troop shortages during the Crimean War, the Volunteer Rifle Corp movement employed students and civilian members and the idea spread quickly throughout England. The Corps’ job was to assist the regular army and to protect the country from invasion. The volunteers were fitted with uniforms and for weapons, “the volunteers obtained short Enfield rifles with sword (saber) bayonets.”

This Potts & Hunt Enfield pattern short rifle is a .577 caliber muzzleloader that measures 49” long and fitted with a 33” long barrel. Barrel is mated to a stock of walnut. Rifle has no checkering on the stock wrist or forend. Barrel, lockplate, hammer, triggerguard, bands and ramrod all wear a dusty-light scheen with scattered light pinprick pitting overall. The lockplate surface is medium dark gray and exhibits a mottled mild peppery look from scattered fine rust pitting. Lockplate also bears the clear stamping of “POTTS & HUNT / LONDON” in front of hammer. No year of manufacture found behind the hammer but does show thin, two-line tooling along the edges. No original case colors remain. Mechanics are tight and strong. Hammer is slightly loose.

Barrel surface wears a pleasing light gray mottled patina with areas of light pitting to the surface. On the upper breech area, barrel is stamped with “REILEY, 315 & 502 OXFORD STREET, LONDON”. Bore semi-bright but has no rifling. No export proof marks visible on barrel. Large iron triggerguard with the number “11394” engraved on the tang Upper swivel is mounted to the upper barrel band while the lower swivel is fastened near the toe of the buttstock. Complete with all iron furniture including the buttplate, trigger guard, barrel bands, and the distinct-shaped side screw washers. The original knurled, slotted ramrod retains its threaded tip. Long range folding rear sight is graduated to 400 yards and placed well forward on the barrel. Stock not refinished. No crack visible in the stock but it does show a few minor dings, dents and light scuffs from age and use. Partial identification comes from the bottom of stock which exhibits a small, oval, inlaid silver medallion engraved with “C P M / O.U.V.R.C.”

British ‘Yataghan’ pattern 1853 saber bayonet has a 22¾” long blade, unstopped fuller, British viewer markings and is stamped with serial # 0695 on the cross guard. Checkered black leather grips are secured to blade tang with four iron rivets. Saber pommel has the push-button release spring lock. Black leather scabbard has moderate crazing and some cracking but is complete with iron throat band with buttonhook, and iron scabbard tip. A fine British “Potts & Hunt” Enfield Pattern Sergeant’s Model rifle with provenance to Oxford University during the mid-19^th century.

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