Relic Condition Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket
Item #: WR889
This is a relic condition Pattern 1853 Enfield type III rifle musket from the American Civil War. This gun was recovered from the Port Hudson, Louisiana battlefield in the early 1900's. A letter of provenance explaining the chain of custody from the finding of the musket to present will accompany the gun to the new owner. The overall length of this weapon is 55 1/4", with a barrel length of 39". This particular gun was manufactured by the Birmingham maker Tower. The exterior of the barrel has surface rust and pitting over the entire length of the barrel. The surface of the barrel shows an unmolested, black patina. The bore of the barrel is dark with pitting and rust throughout, and shows no rifling. The proof marks are no longer visible. This old long gun did some shooting in it's time, as a bore gage now shows it at .66 caliber. The original front sight is still present, the rear sight is missing. The lockplate is stamped with a crown to the rear of the hammer and 1861/TOWER forward of the hammer. Unbelievably the mechanics of the lock function normally albeit weak, the hammer holds at half cock and full cock. The patina of the lock matches that of the barrel and the middle and rear bands. The front barrel band is missing. The front and rear sling swivels are missing in action as well. The ramrod is no longer present. The nose cap, trigger guard and butt plate are brass and have a dark chocolate, almost black patina. The stock is in good condition, considering what it's been through, having no major cracks or wood loss. There are several shallow stress cracks on each side of the stock comb, but nothing major. There are also a couple of shallow cracks forward of the lock on the right side. The barrel and ramrod channels are still pretty crisp and sharp, with the largest section of wood loss occurring along the ramrod channel on the right side. There are no visible stamps or cartouches to be found on the stock. The wood shows to be a nice medium brown walnut. With the date of 1861 and the location of the find this Enfield was more likely than not used by a Confederate soldier. This is an excellent example of a battlefield pick up weapon that has survived the test of time in it's original, as found condition. It will go well in any Civil War collection.
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