Guns International #: 101458745
Seller's Inventory #: 20145

Category - Civil War Rifles - Enfield Rifles

Category
Civil War Rifles
Enfield Rifles

CONFEDERATE Antique MOORE & HARRIS Marked ENFIELD Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket Dated 1862 with “JC” Inspection Stamp and “SHG” Mark

Description:
CONFEDERATE Antique MOORE & HARRIS Marked ENFIELD Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket

Dated 1862 with “JC” Inspection Stamp and “SHG” Mark

Here we present an antique Confederate Commercial Pattern 1853 Enfield Percussion Rifle-Musket, made by Moore & Harris in Birmingham, England, in 1862, with Sinclair, Hamilton & Company Marking. The P-1853 was Britain’s adopted rifle from 1853 until the Snider system was adopted to transform arms into breech-loaders. In addition to its use around the world with the British military, this was one of the most popular arms for the infantry during the American Civil War.

This was a commercially produced musket that was marked “TOWER” and the date of manufacture: “1862”. There are the commercial (non-British military) Birmingham proof markings on the left side of the barrel. The repeating number “25” is how the barrel gauged. This rifled musket is marked “MOORE & HARRIS” along the bottom of the buttstock. The top of the comb is marked “SH/G3” under a crown, just ahead of the buttplate tang. This is the mark of Sinclair, Hamilton & Company who exported such muskets to the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The left stock flat bears the inspection mark “JC” within an oval, with a small two-character mark stamped behind it. “R+B” is marked at the breech of the barrel near the proofs. The interior of the ramrod channel have the names “WINFIELD” and “HODGETT” stamped inside.

The Confederates imported more Enfields during the course of the war than any other small arm, buying from private contractors and gun runners. It has been estimated that over 900,000 P53 Enfields were imported into America and saw service in every major engagement of the war.

Regarding the maker of this particular musket, William Moore began his own business in 1808 and did work making stocks for the famous Joseph Manton until about 1820. In 1836 he was made “Gunmaker-in-Ordinary” to King William IV of England. This meant that he was placed in a higher category than many of his peers and a chosen maker for the king. He began a partnership with William Harris in 1838 and began exporting their firearms to the United States around this time.

The overall condition is very good, especially for a Confederate used weapon. There is a nice brown patina throughout. The action is strong. The bore is well-rifled. The stock is solid and remains in good condition. There are signs of usage throughout and a small sliver on the left stock flat near the barrel. This is a stunning piece of history that is a study in markings and may yet reveal more information!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 39 inches.

Caliber: .577

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$3995

#20145
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes