Original British P-1847 Tower Marked 2nd Side Action Pattern Brunswick Rifle – Dated 1847 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased from a private collection in England, this is a very nice Tower Marked and British proofed 2nd Model Brunswick Percussion Rifle. These rifles were made for belted ball ammunition, first introduced in 1843 (See Small Arms of the East India Company 1600-1856 by David Harding, Volume 2 pages 182/183) by the East India Company. In 1847 the British Government adopted the same pattern. Once again private enterprise led the way for government modernization.

The previous P-1837 Brunswick rifles had featured a back action lock, however the move was made to standardize to side action locks, in use until the end of the percussion era in England. For further reading, see BRITISH MILITARY FIREARMS by Howard Blackmore Page 198, the extreme left of the photo.

This is a very rare and desirable rifle, bearing Queen Victoria’s cypher of Crown over V.R.. on the side action lock plate, over TOWER 1847. To the right of this is the correct CROWN / ARROW “Lock Viewer’s” mark. The rifle measures 45 1/2″ overall with a 30″ rifled barrel bearing British proof markings, including another “Viewed” marking, and what looks, to be “CROWN / VR”. 

Features include a substantial flip-up two leaf back sight, all brass mounts, including large patch box and correct ramrod still in place. The bore looks fantastic, with almost no rust and crisp spiral grooves. It looks to have seen very little use, if any. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock, an firing at full. There is even a leather padded iron “nipple protector” in place to prevent damage to the cap nipple from the hammer.

The stock is in lovely condition, and still has the maker name of W. WRIGHTON on the left side. The right side has a round stock cartouche reading:

PIMLICO
(CROWN)
W. (ARROW) O.
* 1860 *

Pimlico was one of the major locations for British armament refurbishment during the Victorian Era, and as this is the only cartouche on the rifle, the stock was most likely replaced in 1860. The “W.O.” in the marking should stand for “War Office”, and there is also an I.C.R. marking to the left of this, possibly indicating a regiment it was issued to. There are also other proof marks on the stock, including some in the ramrod channel.

Condition is just great, with a lot of original finish on the barrel, and a lovely patina on the lock plate. Both sling swivels are present, and this is just a treat to look at. 2nd Pattern side action lock Brunswick rifles (1847) are much rarer than the back action 1st Pattern of 1837. Hastily discontinued after the introduction of the .577 caliber rifle musket in 1853.

A great example of a rare English Percussion Rifle, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture:  1847 – Refitted 1860
Caliber: .75″ Belted Ball
Ammunition Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 45 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loader

NOTE:  International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.