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CONFEDERATE IMPORT 1862 DATED P-53 ENFIELD

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This rifle musket falls in a group of Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket with 1862 and 1863 dated Tower locks discussed on pages 116-117 of The English Connection that are accepted as bearing marks of as-yet unidentified Confederate viewers: a three-line stamp on the comb of the stock forward of the buttplate tang reading [crown]/ SH / G[numeral], where the number is an Arabic numeral between 1 and 5. This mark is seen in conjunction with an oval cartouche on the side flat containing a loopy, script “JC,” and usually a two-letter barrel stamp just aft of the Birmingham proofs.

This rifle has all those elements, considered by collectors as diagnostic of export to the Confederacy. Both sets of markings in the wood are clear. The numeral next to the G is unclear, but we see a vertical line making it likely a 1 or a 4. Similarly, the JC is rubbed, but the loops of the C are clear. On the left breech of the barrel, aft of the proofs the tops of the initials “J.P.” seem rather clear. There is still some debate about the exact identities behind the markings, but knowledgeable opinion seems to favor the SHG[numeral] stamp being a Sinclair Hamilton Company stamp indicating a numerically designated furnisher, with the G being a die maker’s error for “C” or standing for some other word or term designating a furnisher to the company. The same holds true for the additional stamps applied behind the standard Birmingham barrel proofs.

The condition overall is very good. The wood has minor handling marks and some shallow dings, mostly on the buttstock, with just some superficial chipping to the surface on the right buttstock adjacent to the buttplate, but pleasing color, good edges and a tight fit to the metal. The edges of the side flat and lock apron are sharp, with a few dings on the flat edge of the apron. The ramrod channel shows some wear, indicating use. All sling swivels, bands, springs and ramrod are in place. The front sight blade is perhaps a replacement. The rear long-range sight is in place and complete. The metal is smooth. The brass has a pleasing, uncleaned, aged tone with some dark areas. The barrel has full coverage of original blue shifted to a subdued, dark tone. The bands have shifted toward plum. The hammer and bolster show a more brown, with the lock plate showing some mottled brown and a bit of very thin gray showing through.

The markings are very good. The lock plate has a crisp crown at rear and 1862/TOWER forward. (The lock border lines and hammer flourishes are sharp as well.) The barrel has very clear, standard Birmingham 25/25-bore barrel proofs and the partially visible initials behind them. In addition to the JC cartouche the stock bears two stamps between the triggerguard tang and buttplate on the underside, probably stock makers, finishers, or suppliers: “C.SMITH” forward and “CONDSIDERE” to the rear.

The mechanics are good. The bore is dirty but has good rifling. Enfields need no introduction to the Civil War arms collector. They were imported in large numbers by both sides and sorting out those exported to the Confederacy from those purchased by the U.S. government, northern states, or Union purchasing agents can be a difficult, but worthwhile task. This is a very nice example.  [sr][ph:L]

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