This is an excellent example of a high quality "Volunteer" Pattern 53 Rifle-Musket manufactured by London Armory. Blued barrel, casehardened lock, hammer and a high grade checkered Italian walnut stock. The upper left rear of the barrel sight is stamped with what appears to be three British military proof, inspection and property marks including the "Broad Arrow". All three have been carefully struck before the barrel was blued. The .577 barrel is highly polished and has a deep plum blue finish. The barrel bands have a high gloss blue finish. The lock and hammer are casehardened. The buttplate, trigger guard and forend cap are brass. The closely grained walnut stock has a semi-gloss oil finish with deep well executed checkering on the wrist and forend. The lock plate is stamped with the Queen's "Crown/V.R." mark which is usually only found on British Army Pattern 53 muskets. "1861/L.A. Co." is stamped ahead of the hammer. The right side of the butt is stamped with a double roundel marked: "LONDON ARMOURY CO. BERMONDSEY" in the outer circle and is dated "1862" in the center. The three-letter initials of the gunsmith who fitted the stock are stamped in the ramrod channel between the lower and middle barrel bands. There is a swing swivel mounted on the forward barrel band and the front of the trigger guard. There is a nipple shield with a brass chain attached to the trigger guard sling swivel. Ramrod is marked with matching manufacturer marks identical to band markings.

Excellent plus condition. The barrel retains at least 95% of the original blue finish with wear confined to minor sharp edges near high points. The lock and hammer retain traces of original case colors. The stock is excellent with some very minor storage and handling marks. The checkering remains extremely sharp showing minimal wear. All markings on the stock lock and barrel are extremely sharp. The bore is mint and the rifle appears virtually unfired and has been exposed to minimal, careful handling. In our opinion an excellent example of a high quality English Volunteer Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket that would be the center piece of any English or Percussion long gun collection.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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