SUPERB CONDITION CONFEDERATE "JS ANCHOR" NAVY ENFIELD

SUPERB CONDITION CONFEDERATE

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8 Image 9 Image 10 Image 11 Image 12 Image 13 Image 14 Image 15

$9,500.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1284-25

This compiler has been collecting Confederate firearms since 1960 and had articles published as early as 1969 on British weapons imported from England by the Confederacy. In all this time he has seen only one "JS" and "Anchor" Enfield that surpasses this example and that example, now publish, was not as rare as this Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle!  In the early days of the American Civil War Confederate purchasing agents in England concentrated on obtaining “Enfield” pattern arms.  Pattern1853/58 Enfield rifle-muskets for the infantry and a number of short rifles and carbines were obtained as well. These early orders included 30,000 Pattern1853 Long Enfield rifle-muskets as well as approximately 10,000 short rifles in a variety of patterns. These guns typically appear with the "JS" over "Anchor" viewer’s mark and engraved Confederate inventory number markings.

The Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle was in many respects similar to the standard Pattern1856 two band rifle, but with a few differences. The Pattern 1858 was a brass mounted rifle, instead of iron mounted, and had the rear sling swivel attached to the front bow of the trigger guard instead of being screwed into the toe of the stock. The weapon had the 1,100-yard rear sight and 33” barrel of the Pattern1856 rifles, but the barrel was heavier and was rifled with 5 grooves instead of 3. The heavier barrel and improved rifling pattern made the 1858 rifles more accurate than the1856. The 1858 Naval Rifle was designed to accept a cutlass bayonet instead of the standard saber bayonet. Orders by Caleb Huse for the Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle appear to be limited to about 700 guns, and these can be pinned down to two specific orders: one for 200 on June 11, 1861, and one for 500 on June 27, 1861. However, in late July or early August 1861, Commander James Bulloch (the overseas purchasing agent for the Confederate Navy) placed an additional order for 1,000 Naval Rifles, complete with the cutlass bayonets. It is certain that the offered arm serial number "956" is one of the second lot. Serial numbers were not consecutive so there were long Enfields also enumerated and that explains the "956". The highest known number for these rifles is 999. Of the Confederate numbered naval purchased Naval Rifles, now only 20 are known to have survived.

The rifle is deeply marked on the originally case-hardened lock plate with the English crown to the rear of the hammer and "1861" over "TOWER" forward of the hammer. The surface of the lock is flawless. The barrel of the rifle is marked with typical Birmingham commercial proof and view marks, as well as a pair of "25" gauge marks, indicating 25 balls to the pound or .577 caliber. The barrel is smooth, with no pitting present. The exterior surface of the barrel has most of its original blue finished now mixed with a brown age patina; the effect is wonderful to behold! The bore of the rifle retains the original and correct pattern 5-groove rifling, and rates excellent. The stock rates as excellent with no repairs or evidence of sanding. It has a deeply stamped "JS" over Anchor and the gunmaker's name "JOSEPH WILSON" is equally deeply stamped! The gun retains its original and correct 1,100-yard rear sight, as well as the original iron front sight block and blade. The bayonet "bar on barrel" has a small metal chip out of it, but it is a minor issue. The bar or lug accommodates the British Pattern 1859 Type II cutlass bayonet. In stock at present, we have a cutlass bayonet in scabbard that fits this arm perfectly as well as a modified 1856 Yataghan bayonet that was modified, in the period, to do the same. (See items 1309-75 and 1284-27).

The rifle is brass mounted, and the tang of the brass butt plate is deeply and correctly engraved "956". The mechanics of the arm are perfect. The ramrod is not original to this weapon but matches perfectly. The original would have been numbered "956" like the butt plate. If the original ramrod were in place this weapon, in this unheard-of condition, would bring 5 figures! Both original sling swivels are in place and the screws on the 2 barrel bands retain their original washers. The rifle comes with its original snap cap and brass chain. The compiler wishes to acknowledge Mr. Tim Prince of College Hill Arsenal and Mr. Russ Pritchard for the amazing research and insights they have blessed us with. Their world class treatise The English Collection (In which this compiler is acknowledged as a passive contributor) is a must for the Confederate arms enthusiast. Certainly, an early war captured piece that was handled through the years with Kidd gloves. This example was formerly in the Texas Civil War Museum in Fort Worth.  [pe][ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About SUPERB CONDITION CONFEDERATE "JS ANCHOR" NAVY ENFIELD

should be empty