3-Band ENFIELD Percussion Musket……..

Enfield Tower percussion Musket.

Approximately .60 bore.  Total Length 55.1/4″.  Barrel length 39.1/4″.  Length of pull 14.1/4″.  The barrel is secured by three steel bands all marked with Enfield inspection marks.  Under the barrel is the cleaning rod which measures 39″ in length exactly.  It has the large serrated pierced head and the swelling to hold it in place about 8″ from the end.  There are also inspectors marks found between the swelling and the jag.

The full length stock is in very good condition, showing clear grain and a polished finish overall.  The fore-end is finished of with a brass end-cap.  The three barrel bands are held in position by their own springs on the RHS along the for-end.  The lock mounted on the RH of the stock is engraved with a strong Crown over “V.R”  Forward of the cocking piece is “1857 / TOWER” meaning this musket was assembled by the Tower of London armouries in 1857.  Forward of the Tower marking are two  inspectors markings.  The flat-faced lock is double border engraved in the same manner as the cock.  This is an early cocking piece with the straight back to the thumb piece.  The cock having some fine checkering upon it to aid grip.  The lock is a standard military two position lock, with a strong mainspring and a positive action.  Wood to metal fit is very very good. Chain and nipple protector secured just in front of the trigger guard.

Single percussion nipple and bolster mounted at the breech.  The back end of the barrel shows multiple inspectors marks, but most obviously, the opposing arrows ” sold out of service” mark and inspection stamps.  Single large flat-headed screw through the breech tang, securing the barrel.  To the obverse of the lock are the two steel securing screws in brass cups. On the same side, towards the rear, is the name of the stockmaker or supplier which could be, “G.PARKER” but although deeply struck, is almost unreadable and a “C.S.” stamping?   This is the other most noticeable marking that appears over the weapon; (metalwork and stock)   –  the “C.S.” stampings.  They are to be found on the stock in multiple positions and on the brass and steel fittings – meaning unknown!

 Standard adjustable ladder sight with graduations on both the ladder face and the LHS of the stepped ramp.  It is most probable that this is a standard rifle that had the rifling removed after the Sepoy revolt of 1857. It would explain the fact that it is a smoothbore weapon.  Externally the weapon has suffered the same amount wear all over and built a very similar degree of patina uniformly upon the surface.

         

There are behind the trigger guard several inspection markings and the following; “In Gt” – meaning unknown.    On the LHS of the butt-stock there are numerous other markings most noticeably a large “W.D”  which has been over struck with an uneven double opposing sold out of service mark.  Next to that is a large clearly impressed ”  ‘ 2 NEW”,  At 90 degrees to the last is a clear serifed “70” with “C.S.” above and below.  The last is clearly repeated on the brass butt-plate tang.  Condition and fit of the butt-plate is very good.  The “C.S.” is repeated on the brass trigger guard.

 The bore is somewhat pitted, but what would one expect!   We can only draw our own conclusions and be happy with our own theories.  It is without a doubt a fine piece of history that has travelled the world in its lifeime.

 £ 1195.

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