Potts and Hunt, in business together in London since the mid-1850s, played no favorites in supplying guns to Americans. They supplied arms to Confederate agent Caleb Huse and also sold some to Samuel Colt. A small circular cartouche in the wood at the tip of the buttplate tang, however, makes it clear this 1853 Pattern Rifle Musket headed south. (See, The English Connection (2014), page 106ff.)

This gun rates excellent/plus. The wood is a warm, light reddish-brown mixed with some shaded areas. The there are very few handling marks: just some very tiny dings on the butt stock at top and on the left flat, a light score mark at right wrist, and a short scratch on the right upper forestock between the upper two bands. The edges to the wood are good both around the lock and on the left side. Even the ramrod channel is crisp. We see only two very, very minor chips along it.

The wood to metal fit is tight on all parts. The brass buttplate, triggerguard and nosecap have a matching, even, mellow patina. The lock plate fits tightly, with no gaps or chips and shows some light mottled case color.  The screwheads throughout show crisp slots and light blue remaining. All bands, swivels and sights are in place. The rear sight is complete and shows some color. The barrel shows crisp London proofs at the left breech: the lion over G provisional proof stamp, the Crown/V London view mark, 25-bore gauge mark (indicating .577 caliber) and crowned GP of the London Gun Proof House. The “Potts & Hunt / London” marked plate stamp is crisp, as is the double-border line of the plate. The snap-cap and chain are in place. The bolster and barrel are smooth metal with a dull silver tone showing a thin caramel overlay from faded barrel blue, and some scattered small brown spots. The bands retain slightly more blue. The ramrod is present and good, showing darker in color and just a little rough at the tip. The bore is excellent.   [sr]

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