Original British P-1853 Enfield 2nd Model V.R. Marked Tower Percussion Rifled Musket in “As Found” Condition – dated 1855 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Over the years, IMA has purchased many collections and groups of antique guns, in which case we need to take all of them, as we did in Nepal. While these collections were generally full of guns that relatively good condition, they also had some that were less complete and unfortunately would take more restoration time than we were able to give them. We kept them in storage, possibly for future products, but have now decided to offer these “As Found” antique firearms to our customers as restoration projects. These are all original and as we received them, except for cleaning the dirt and grime off the exterior.

Please note that these are still real antique guns, and are being sold in “As is” condition at a significant discount from what they would sell at if we were to fully restore them. We will do our best to photograph and describe them and know that our customers will know exactly what they are getting. If they arrive and you find that they are not to your liking, they can be returned, however please be aware that there will most likely be restocking fees assessed.

Offered here is a very nice “As Found” example of the 2nd Model Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, with brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap. In restored condition with all parts present, this would probably sell for $1495, however we are offering this rifled musket with great restoration potential for just $995. The three steel barrel bands are held on with band springs, as typical of the 2nd model. The lock is marked 1855 / TOWER below the cap bolster, and it is also marked with the correct CROWN / BROAD ARROW “Lock Viewer’s Mark”. The lock plate tail has a QUEEN’S CROWN / V. R. royal cypher, indicating military production for the British empire.

The barrel shows various proof marks on the breech area, however due to the oxidation on the metalwork we cannot read them all. There is an “Opposed Broad Arrow” marking, indicating that the rifled musket was sold at out of service to the military. The right butt stock shows a BROAD ARROW / BO Board of Ordnance marking along with another “out of service” marking, so the rifle was probably dispersed to one of the Volunteer home guard groups for defense.

The wood stock is in relatively good condition, as shown. There are some regimental markings or rack number stamped into the tang of the butt plate. We checked the bore, and there is rifling visible, but also oxidation. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. For other condition notes please see the photographs.

A great chance to pick up an affordable British-Issued P-1853 Rifled Musket with some great restoration potential!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1855
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 39 inches 
Overall Length: 55 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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.