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CONFEDERATE IMPORTED "ANCHOR" OVER "S" ENFIELD RIFLE-MUSKET

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The British made Pattern 1853 “Enfield” rifle-musket was the second most used infantry long arm of the American Civil War. It was the first “small bore” rifled long arm to see general issue to all British military personnel, effectively making every soldier a “rifleman” and the smoothbore musket obsolete. The .577 caliber rifled bore was a significant ballistic development. The Pattern 1853 would significantly influence the design of the new American Model 1855 Rifle-Musket and all arms production going forward. Approaching a million Enfields including rifles, rifle-muskets, musketoons and carbines saw use in the American Civil War. Today, it is difficult to determine if a specific Enfield was exported from Britain to the North or South. Recently, the Horse Soldier acquired a collection of imported British Enfield rifle-muskets that were destined for the Southern Confederacy. This "study collection" offers weapons by various contractors with varying dates of manufacture all having distinctive markings that make them exclusively Confederate imports. This weapon offered is no exception.  Although badly obscured by wear and a later refinishing job this 1863 Enfield is stamped with the successor to the ubiquitous and highly sought "JS Anchor" the "Anchor S".

This British Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-musket is dated "1863" over "TOWER" on the lock plate. At the rear of the lock plate is the Queen's crown. The gun is devoid of any British military inspection markings and is a typical Birmingham-made contract gun for commercial sale that was destined for export from Great Britain. The mechanics are perfect. The 39-inch barrel is Birmingham proofed and marked "25" for bore or .577 caliber and has gray/brown patination with minor pitting at the breech. The 3-barrel bands, have this same patination. The bore of the gun is poor. The nipple or cone is newer. The brass butt plate and nose cap are in place. The gun has its long-range rear elevating sight. The combination front sight and bayonet lug is present but has been filed by half. The gun has both sling swivels. An original ramrod is in the channel under the barrel. The stock is full-length, solid and free of any breaks or repairs. The stock has a dark brown color but at some point, it was lightly sanded and a heavy coating of varnish was applied. This weapon would benefit if this old re-finish was removed. The wood does show some scattered bumps, dings and minor dents. At some time, an iron US Model 1855 rifle 2-piece patch box was inlet into the right butt stock; it is impossible to state when. With no depth to the inletting it seems it serves no practical/functional purpose. Ahead of the brass butt plate is an obscured but visible "Anchor" over "S". This is the Confederate inspector's mark that soon followed the JS Anchor. Mr. Tim Prince of College Hill Arsenal states: " At this time, the inspection mark reverts to master viewer John Southgate’s initial “S” and the Birmingham assay office “anchor” mark. The new mark... appears as a single strike on most P-1853s it is encountered on, on top of the stock comb, in front of the butt plate tang. The guns are inevitably dated 1863 or 1864..."

This is a good example that but for some condition issues would be a $3500 rifle-musket. It is very reasonably priced at $1550. [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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