This fine condition, original British longarm is a .58 caliber, Enfield Pattern 1853, Tower-marked rifle-musket. Of all the British arms, the Pattern 1853 rifle-musket is perhaps the best known and regarded longarm.

The musket measures a total length of 55” and is fitted with a 39” long barrel. Barrel has its original long range rear sight graduated to 800 yards. Standard iron blade front sight. Lockplate surface is smooth, with a dark brown patina. Lock markings are the standard Victoria’s “crown” behind the hammer and “1861 / TOWER” in front. Hammer bears the same gray coloring with the standard engraved marks in the upper right side area under spur. Mechanics are perfect.

Barrel surface appears untouched and exhibits the same dark brown patina with light surface pitting. Viewer marks and proof marks (“24”) are visible on the barrel’s left breech area. The bore is dirty with patchy areas of pitting. The three-groove rifling is worn. Musket retains original barrel bands and the two sling swivels, one at the front of the brass trigger guard, the other at the upper barrel band. Has its brass nose cap.

Black walnut stock is strong with a dark, uncleaned surface. No cracks or repairs visible. Stock maker’s “roman number” in the ramrod channel and stamps lightly visible behind trigger guard tang. Wood shows moderate dings, dents and light scuffs from honest age and use. A name and initials stamped in several places on the butt stock; “THEODORE FR____”. Lockplate screws not buggered. Spaded brass washers untouched. Has a period replaced ramrod with brass “tulip” end similar to a Mississippi ramrod; no threads. Original brass butt plate.

In addition to the number of Pattern 1853 Enfield muskets acquired by the Confederacy during the war, over 500,000 such muskets were purchased / imported by the U.S. Ordnance Department during the Civil War.

An original English Tower-marked, 1861, Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle Musket.  [jet]

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