Guns International #: 101488057
Seller's Inventory #: 200865

Category - Antique Rifles - Percussion - Antique Rifles - Target

Category
Antique Rifles - Percussion
Antique Rifles - Target

26 MIDDLESEX RIFLE VOLUNTEERS P-1853 Rifle-Musket by LONDON ARMORY Co. .577 With Provenance to the Original Giver & Recipient!

Description:
26 MIDDLESEX RIFLE VOLUNTEERS P-1853 Rifle-Musket by LONDON ARMORY Co. .577

With Provenance to the Original Giver & Recipient!

Here we present an antique London Armoury Co. Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket, made circa 1863 in England. The P53 was the British Military Ordnance Board’s choice for adoption as the primary long arm in 1853. It was considered the apex European military gun of that time, introduced by the British War Department after several studies to improve the calibers and the dimensions of the previous models. However, it kept the same general appearance of the earlier pattern 1851. The overwhelming majority of Pattern 53 Rifles were made by commercial gun makers in Birmingham and London under contract.

This rifle was a deluxe special edition of this typically Spartan weapon as it was intended as a special prize for within a military unit. This one features nicer wood for the stock as well as checkering on both the wrist and the forestock. Light engraving has been performed on the nosecap, trigger guard and butt plate. The silver medallion set into the stock reads “26th MIDDX R.V./No2 COMPANY./Presented by Capt. Pickford/~WON BY~/Lieutt Irish./~1863.~” The 26th Middlesex Rifles was a volunteer unit that originated during the Volunteer movement circa 1859—this in response to the Crimean War as well as heightened tensions between England and France and the outbreak of war between France & Austria. England had a lot of territory to cover between the British Isles and its colonies, and there was imminent risk of being pulled into another conflict. This was a popular movement to create part-time units at home, similar to what early Americans might have considered militias or what we now call the National Guard, Home Guard, etc. These had a great deal of autonomy initially, though many were eventually folded into the regular British Army. Captain Charles Tindal Pickford awarded this piece to Lieutenant John Leggat Irish in 1863, almost certainly in Guildhall in London, England where there is record of this kind of “Presentation of Prizes” ceremony taking place in years surrounding. These appear to be given to the best marksmen in the unit. The London Gazette from 1 November 1861 shows John Leggat Irish was made an Ensign (most junior rank for an enlisted officer in the infantry at this time) in the 26th M.R.V. In the 18 February 1868 edition, Irish was noted as having been promoted from Lieutenant to Captain on the 12th of that month. Likewise, Pickford was promoted from Captain to Major on the 13th.

The overall condition is very good. The action is excellent. The bore is clean and remains in good shape with nice rifling. The checkering is sharp and crisp. The stock shows use but remains solid and smooth overall with a glossy finish. This is a very nice piece with historical provenance!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 38-1/2 inches.

Caliber: .577

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$5865

#200865
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes