Guns International #: 102392260
Seller's Inventory #: 227955

Category - Enfield Rifles - Military Rifles - Antique

Category
Enfield Rifles
Military Rifles - Antique

PRITCHETT P-1853 Enfield MILITARY MATCH VOLUNTEER Rifle-Musket .577 Antique BRITISH RIFLE THREE BAND Mid-1850s

Description:
PRITCHETT P-1853 Enfield MILITARY MATCH VOLUNTEER Rifle-Musket .577 Antique

BRITISH RIFLE THREE BAND Mid-1850s

Here we present an antique British Pritchett & Son Pattern 1853 Enfield Military Match Volunteer Rifle made in London, England circa 1855 to 1857. During the mid-19th century, the sport of target shooting was taking the world by storm, and target rifle matches attracted competitors and spectators very much like modern professional sporting events do today. In England, in particular, this excitement for competitive shooting went hand-in-hand with the patriotic “Volunteer” movement that sought to establish a well-trained militia throughout the island nation to help defend the country. The fear was that Napoleon III, emperor during the French Second Empire period would pick up where his predecessors left off and set his sights on invading Great Britain. Because of this, the British government encouraged the formation of these patriotic volunteer units to provide the core of a well-trained militia to help fight off the possibility of a French invasion. These units often competed in local and national shooting competitions, in multiple categories. The primary class was the Military Match Rifle class, which required the use of arms that were essentially of current British military configuration, and in the standard British military .577 caliber. Other classes included small bore rifle matches, that often used rifles like the .451 caliber Kerr Rifle.

This is a scarce, early production Pattern 1853 Type I style Military Match “Volunteer” Rifle by one of the more famous of the London gunmakers of the period. The Pritchett’s worked at the 7 Poultry address circa 1853-1855. A target rifle from the shops of the men who invented the Pritchett bullet certainly makes this an interesting item. This one includes a 1000 yard sight with a ladder that also has a set screw, paired with a finer bead front sight.

The overall condition is very good. Patina throughout. The action is excellent. The bore is in good condition with nice rifling. The stock shows use and remains solid.

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

Barrel is 39-1/4 inches.

Caliber: .577 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$2400

#227955
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes