P53 Enfield ID Help

[vstarclassic]

Hello All,
Recently picked up a P53 Enfield musket. This is what I have gleened so far. 1861 manufacture, lock has crown with no VR underneath, Tower stamped. W Greener on inside of lock. Barrel is labeled BURR and also W Greener stamped. No proofing. It is marked 24 on the barrel ( true58 cal) Barrel bands are the split with screw and lock nut. Wood is very figured like European walnut. Stock has JWJW stamped just before the rear trigger tang. No anchor evident, or circle SH on tang by nipple ( pitted there). Can I assume this is a Confederate contract rifle and that it is London Manufacture. Fitting is beautiful on all components. Any help and value would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Greg

 

[Steppenwolf]

If you could post photos that would be great. It sounds like a Volunteer Rifle, private purchase 3rd Pattern 1853 rifle. How long is the barrel?

 

[lyman54]

No VR under the crown means it was made for export outside the Colony's. https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/7/7/english-enfields-in-confederate-service/

 

[wr.sainsbury]

Most likely it is a Union issued musket being without the JS anchor stamp. Value as a Confederate issue would be about double. Could be London or Birmingham built-in the case of mine the B'ham stamps are very small and between 25 stamped twice on left side of the breech.

 

[vstarclassic]

Hi ,
Sorry for late reply I thought I would be notified on replies as I am new to forum posts. Barrel is 39 to the tang. It is also marked 24 not 25 on the barrel.

 

[vstarclassic]

Thanks for the reply, it is marked 24 on the barrel not 25 as previously posted.

 

[vstarclassic]

Thanks for the reply, the barrel is stamped 24 not 25 as previously stated. Stamps are small and hard to distinguish but cossed swords; 24; crossed swords ;24; then appears crown over B.

 

[wr.sainsbury]

It appears some were stamped 24 as well -essentially the same bore for the .577 slug. Mine stamped 25 actually measured .60 at the muzzle and seemed to tighten up further in. The obituration of the slugs skirt would take up any variance in bore between 24 and 25 I suppose.

 

[Mike Webb]

From what I have read all Confederate Enfields were 25 gauge or .57 calibre. The Union supplied pieces were 24 gauge or .58 calibre. The Union issued Springfield was .58 calibre as well so both would take the same size Minie ball. Over 900,000 Pattern 1853 Enfields were sold the both the Union and the Confederacy by British makers.

 

[vstarclassic]

Thanks all. Will keep digging.