ENFIELD PATTERN 1853 PERCUSSION RIFLE-MUSKET ID’D TO COMPANY K, 33RD MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY

$2,250.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: G3336

The Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle-musket is one of the best known and highly regarded of all British military arms.

Originally purchased and imported by the US Ordnance Department during the War, this Pattern 1853 longarm is identified to an unknown member of Company K, 33rd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Identification is found on the brass butt plate tang with the stamping “K” / “Mass / 33” clearly visible. Left side shoulder stock also exhibits small, hand carved initials “J KEIIY” (Kelly?) but research does not turn up the soldier. The 33rd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry saw action on and about Culps Hill during the fighting at Gettysburg. This longarm specimen has the same markings on the buttplate as another Pattern 1853 Enfield that came out of the well-known “Shields” museum located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania after the Civil War.

Just over 500,000 Enfield muskets were purchased / imported by the US Ordnance Department during the Civil War. In complete, good condition, this Type-3 Pattern Enfield, single-shot, muzzle loading rifle-musket measures a total length of 55” and features a 39” long barrel mated to a black walnut stock. All gun metal wears a dark, moderate to heavy rust pitting overall. Bore is rifled with three strong grooves and shows light pitting overall. Would clean up to semi-bright. Lockplate surface is heavily pitted with its stampings obliterated. Just traces of the standard Victoria monogram of a “crown” are visible back of the hammer. Mechanics are weak. The export proof marks and gauge marks (25) for .577 caliber) on the left side of barrel breech are just about pitted away. Barrel secured to stock with three, screw clamps bands. A small fragment of the musket sling swivel is still mounted to the upper clamp (barrel) band while the lower sling swivel is intact and secured to the trigger guard.

Buttplate, stock cap, trigger guard and the distinct side screw washers are all polished brass. The ramrod is thick, straight and features no swell but features a head that is slotted and knurled. Tip retains its threading for a ball puller.  Has the original long-range rear sight and the front blade sight / bayo lug. Black walnut stock is in strong condition and exhibits a surface that is dark and uncleaned. Markings are visible as mentioned on the stock. Does show wear as the corners and edges are well rounded from use.  No cracks but stock does show minor dings, dents and light scuffs from age and use.

This Massachusetts-identified Enfield Pattern rifle-musket is a great original specimen identified to a unit and company.  [RA/SS]

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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