A FRENCH MADE BRITISH PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE-MUSKET, AND CONFEDERATE USED (CAPTURED & COLLECTED)

A FRENCH MADE BRITISH PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE-MUSKET, AND CONFEDERATE USED (CAPTURED & COLLECTED)

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$3,250.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-1255

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This weapon, or a good percentage of it, was made around 1856 at St. Etienne France for export to Britain then still at War with Russia in the Crimea. The war ended that year and none, as far as we know, made it to Britain. However, with the demand for arms both North and South in 1861 the Europeans found ready buyers for their firearms. It is impossible to know if this weapon was sold to one of the belligerents by the French as "whole cloth" or if only the principal parts were purchased by gunsmiths in England or Belgium and assembled by them and then shipped to America. Whatever the way this gun's ultimately ended up in the hands of a Confederate soldier.

This British designed Pattern 1853 Tower marked rifle-musket, is a 3rd type perfected in 1858. It is in good condition and is a classic example of the typical Civil War period imported Enfield rifle-musket. The 39-inch barrel is French multi-proofed or inspected at the breech and under the barrel. The barrel and has a gun metal gray patination; the 3-barrel bands have the same. The bore of the gun is weak; a light cleaning would probably improve the condition of this bore. The gun retains its original rear sight, also French inspected. The original combination front sight and bayonet lug is present as well. The gun has both original 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 snap cap and chain are in place.  The original full-length 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. The wood does show some scattered bumps, dings and minor dents and on the right side for a few inches above the rear band it shows period abrasions that look to be a result of combat. The stock also has some light surface scuffs here and there from field service. The lock is total un-marked, as made, except for an engraved line all around its perimeter. The mechanics are perfect. And the surface is pleasing. The butt plate is brass as is the stock's nose cap.

Stamped ahead of the trigger guard in the wood is an ampersand "&". This is one of the ubiquitous Confederate C & R (Captured & Collected) or "Alphabet Guns". These weapons 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. The Ampersand mark appears on C & R processed weapons in late 1864 and 1865.

This Confederate Enfield with its "French Connection" is fascinating! The condition is wonderful if you want an Enfield that looks like it just came off the battle this one in its unmolested condition is the one.  [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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