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A CAPTURED & COLLECTED CONFEDERATE ENFIELD
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$3,295.00
Quantity Available: 1
Item Code: 2025-1883
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Several million Enfields saw use across the globe during mid-19th century, so it is often difficult to determine if a specific Enfield rifle or rifle- musket was here for the American Civil War. However, with somewhere in the neighborhood of one million Enfields being purchased and used by both sides combined during the course of the war, the very fact that the gun is here suggests that it may well be a veteran of that conflict. In this gun's case one can be 100% certain it was used here.
This British Pattern 1853 Tower marked rifle-musket is dated 1863 and is in fine condition and is a classic example of the typical Civil War period imported Enfield rifle-musket. The gun is devoid of any British military markings and is a typical Birmingham-made contract gun for commercial sale that was destined for export from Great Britain. When picked up in Gettysburg a few weeks back this weapon was covered in several coats of ancient varnish. It took a seasoned restorer 2 days to remove this "mess" using strippers and solvents. This completed, the gun appeared to be 100% original, complete and correct; a phoenix rising from the ashes! The 39-inch barrel is Birmingham proofed and marked "25" for bore or .577 caliber and has a deep brown patination. The 3-barrel bands, have a deep rich plum-brown patina also. The bore of the gun is about gone. A light cleaning would probably improve the condition of the bore. The gun retains its original rear sight. The original combination front sight and bayonet lug is present as well. The gun has both sling swivels, one on the front of the brass trigger guard and the other on the tension screw for the upper barrel band. An original full-length ramrod is in the channel under the barrel, but the threads are broken or filed off. The patina of the rod matches the gun perfectly. The stock is full-length, solid and free of any breaks or repairs. The stock has a dark brown color. The wood does show some scattered bumps, dings and minor dents. The stock also has some light surface scuffs here and there from service and later storage. On the right side of the butt is deeply stamped "22". The lock plate is stamped behind the hammer with a crown and in front of the cock "TOWER" below "1863". The mechanics are perfect. The cock or hammer spur has a substantial brazed repair that is contemporary to the weapon's use.
As far as fitting and finish this rifle-musket shows inconsistencies that reflect a re-working at a Confederate facility. The brass butt plate and trigger guard show obvious filing marks, The lock plate also shows filing below the barrel bolster and its fit, although numbered to the barrel is awkward. The barrel underside, the lock underside and the period brazed repaired cock or hammer are deeply stamped in 1/4-inch figures "Z-49" tying these components together at assembly or when re-arsenaled. Also stamped ahead of the trigger guard in the wood is an "F" or possibly an "E". Is this one of the ubiquitous Confederate C & R (Captured & Collected) or "Alphabet Guns"? The workmanship seems cruder than typically seen on others of the type. These weapons are distinguished by their marks are covered in Steven W. Knot’s “’Captured and Collected’ Confederate Reissued Firearms.” According to Knott’s research CS Ordnance teams, aided by some civilians, gathered as many as 200,000 firearms from battlefields during the war, mostly in the eastern theatre, where Lee’s victories left them in possession of the field. Along with another 50,000 or so turned in by CS units, these weapons went to CS facilities at Danville, Staunton, Lynchburg, and Richmond for cleaning and repair and eventual reissue to Confederate troops. These letters which include (identified to date) "Q", "A", "T", "F", "Z" and "&" were stamped on the arms typically, but not always, in front of the trigger guard.
What is certain is that this weapon, as revealed by the surface cleaning. would not have been exported from Britain this way nor would it have been accepted by the Northern inspector's state or federal. We are confident this particular Enfield was re-worked and repaired by the Confederates. [pe] [ph:L]
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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