Shortened 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket / SOLD
The .577 British Pattern 1853 Rifle Musket was the most widely imported longarm of the Civil War. Approximately 900,000 were used by both sides in nearly every battle of the conflict from Shiloh to Appomattox. This example has been shortened during the period in the fashion of a two band, 1856 pattern short rifle, with a dovetailed front sight with brass blade added. The original long-range rear sight is complete and in place. The ramrod has also been cut down to slightly longer than equal length. The lock plate is marked “1862 TOWER”, and the action is crisp and holds firmly on all positions. All iron surfaces have developed a deep plum brown, almost relic condition patina, and brass surfaces retain an uncleaned verdigris. The bore is dark with visible three-groove rifling. The stock is in good condition with matching aging to the metal surfaces and has the typical dings and dents from active service. The overall length of the rifle is about 47 ½”. This Enfield has a lot of character and likely saw use by Confederate forces in the field.