Of all the British arms, the Pattern 1853 rifle-musket is perhaps the best known and most highly regarded weapon that replaced all earlier infantry models in the British Army. This Enfield specimen was once part of the well-known, Civil War artifact collection at Lee’s Headquarters Museum in Gettysburg, PA. Just over 500,000 Pattern 1853 muskets were purchased / imported by the US Ordnance Department during the Civil War. This classic British longarm is an 1862-dated, ‘Tower’ marked, Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle-musket manufactured by the private arms facility at Birmingham, England.

In overall very good original condition, this single-shot, muzzleloading rifle-musket measures a total length of 55” and features a 39” long barrel mated to a black walnut stock. Barrel is rifled with three strong lands and grooves. Bore is dirty but should clean to semi-bright. Iron lockplate surface is light gray with scattered areas of oxidation. Lock markings bear the standard Victoria monogram of a “crown” back of the hammer but without the ‘V R’ marks indicating it is a likely British export. Pronounced block letters “TOWER / 1862” are displayed on the lockplate in front of hammer. Mechanics are strong and could use slight adjustment. Entire barrel, originally bright, has been cleaned and exhibits a light gray color with scattered pin prick surface rusting overall. Has moderate pitting and dark oxidation at the breech and bolster areas. Upper barrel band and barrel area show some surface rust. Export proof marks on the left side of barrel breech are strong and clear and exhibit a provisional proof mark, a gauge mark (24) for .58 caliber, viewer’s marks and gauge stamps.

Flat of stock shows a crude, handcarved letter “J.” Wood stock is in good overall condition. Appears to have been refinished at one time. Stock flat has an old repair and a large crack directly below the lock screw.  Two crude initials “F H” found on stock in front of triggerguard. Also another set of hand carved initials “W M” set into wood on right side of forearm near the middle barrel band. Long-range, sliding leaf rear sight is graduated up to 900 yards. Upper swivel is mounted to the upper barrel band while the lower swivel is fastened to the trigger guard. Buttplate, nose cap, trigger guard and the distinct side screw washers are all brass. The original ramrod features the knurled, slotted head but the rod has been cut and shortened to just 30½” long. Stock’s ramrod channel bears a government contractor’s name that is not decipherable.

An interesting, Gettysburg-related British Enfield P1853 rifle-musket from Lee’s Headquarters Museum in Gettysburg, PA.

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