Original British P-1847 Tower Marked 2nd Side Action Pattern Brunswick Rifle – Dated 1864 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased from a private collection, 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. 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, marked TOWER / 1864 with its side action lock bearing Queen Victoria’s cypher of Crown over V.R.. The lock used is probably a later replacement, as “side action” lock was identical to the later P-1853 Enfield and 1864 Snider locks in shape.

Rifle measures 45″ overall with a 30″ rifled barrel bearing British proof markings, though they are somewhat faded.  Features include a substantial flip-up two leaf back sight, all brass mounts, including large patch box and correct ramrod still in place.  The stock is in lovely condition, with traces of a stock rondel just in front of the patch box. The bore still looks fairly good, with nice grooves and just some small areas of rust. It is fitted with a very old Springfield Style sling, which we left attached as it has been on it for quite some time.

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 very nice rare English Percussion Rifle, ready to display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1874 – 1853 – Refitted c.1864
Caliber: .75″ Belted Ball
Ammunition Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 45 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loader

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