Original British P-1847 Tower Marked 2nd Side Action Pattern Brunswick Rifle – Dated 1849 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 1849. To the right of this is the correct CROWN / ARROW “Lock Viewer’s” mark. The rifle measures 46″ overall with a 30 1/4″ rifled barrel bearing British proof markings, including another “Viewed” marking, and what looks, to be a very faint “CROWN / GP”. The top of the barrel has definitely seen past pitting, which ahs made the markings hard to read.

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 still has the correct two groove rifling, though it definitely shows oxidation and use on the interior. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock, an firing at full. The metalwork is in good shape, however there definitely are signs of past pitting.

The wooden stock has a lovely color, but also shows wear and tear from long service. There are some repaired cracks and missing chunks, as well as what looks to be some past woodworm, now expertly filled. Both sling swivels are present, and all of the fittings are totally correct.

2nd Pattern side action lock Brunswick rifles (P-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, they were not made in large numbers, and many were subsequently broken down for parts, as the lock was compatible.

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

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture:  1849
Caliber: .75″ Belted Ball
Ammunition Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 46 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. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.