Help on a 1861 P53 Enfield

V

vstarclassic

Member
Rating - 100%
197   0   0
Location
South Shore, Nova Scotia
Hello Gentlemen,
Any info I can get on a recent purchase. I have been doing some research and have some idea on it and am looking for any extra ideas, thoughts, value , etc. The rifle is an unmolested 3 band P53 Enfield. It is a commercial import as no VR under crown which is to the left of the hammer. 1861 over Tower in front of hammer.The lock is marked Greener on the inside. The barrel is stamped 24 on the left near the breech ( 58 cal). The barrel is stamped with a W and S on the underside one on each side of W Greener and Burr. The is a J.W J.W stamped on the wood just behind the triggerguard. Each J.W look the same so it appears to be a double stamp. It has an early button ramrod. Finish is in the bright. Grey patena on the lock and bands. Wood immaculate black walnut. Rear sight ladder I think a repro. The is also an XII stamped on the bolster on the underside. Other than that no other markings, couple of dents and light pitting on barrel. Lock and arrel is original to the rifle as fit is perfect. Came with a bayonet. Is there a chance it is a import for the Confederacy? Any info appreciated.
Cheers
 
Take some photos of the gun showing the stock markings.

This is an 1861 dated Tower P53---24 bore...58 cal.
This is what the rear sight looks like.

Are there any numbers on the butt plate tang?









 
These commercial rifled muskets may very well be ones imported into the USA/CSA during the Civil War.
 
Look for these markings on the stock of your gun. (To start with.)

I went through a very involved exercise with Bill Adams who is one of the most knowledgeable people in the U.S. regarding C.S. imported P53s.

JS/Anchor behind the triggerguard.

JS stands for John Southgate, Major Edward Anderson (Caleb Huse's "boss") recorded in his dairy that Southgate had been retained as an inspector.





Butt tang numbers (engraved--not stamped). (If they are there-- that 'might be' an indication that you 'might' have a C.S. imported Enfield P53.

 
Last edited:
Looks exactly the same , no tang markings. Maybe liberated by a southern sympathizer blockade runner here on the east coast before getting south. Birmingham proofs. Send me an email and I can send you some stock markings.
Thanks Greg
 
I believe only a couple of Northern units finished them in the white. IIRC - It had to do with some regiments wanting to have their enfields match in the ranks with the standard US issued musket.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom