Guns International #: 102363656
Seller's Inventory #: 226518

Category - Civil War Rifles - Enfield Rifles

Category
Civil War Rifles
Enfield Rifles

CIVIL WAR Antique UNION & CONFEDERATE Tower ENFIELD Pattern 1856 SHORT RIFLE 1857 Dated 2-BAND Pattern 1856 “SERGEANTS” RIFLE

Description:
CIVIL WAR Antique UNION & CONFEDERATE Tower ENFIELD Pattern 1856 SHORT RIFLE

1857 Dated 2-BAND Pattern 1856 “SERGEANTS” RIFLE

Here we present an antique British Proofed Percussion Tower Enfield Pattern 1856 Short Rifle made in 1857 in Birmingham, England, for export to the United States at the beginning of the Civil War. During the Civil War, Pattern 56 Short Rifles were imported by both the United States and the Confederate governments. The Ordnance Department and northern state governments (notably Massachusetts) purchased approximately 8000 Pattern 56 Short Rifles during the Civil War. Roughly half of these were imported by Colt and Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. By February of 1863, the Confederacy had imported 9,715 Pattern 56 Short rifles from Great Britain. In comparison with the more than 900,000 Pattern 53, Enfield Rifle-Muskets imported for issue to the Union and Confederate Armies during the Civil War, the Pattern 56 Short Rifles are very rare. These were light, handy rifles that were popular with the troops on both sides.

The blued, iron, forearm tip, trigger guard, and buttplate distinguish the Pattern 56 Short Rifle from the Pattern 53 Rifle-Musket which had brass furniture. The right side of the barrel originally had a lug for a sword bayonet. The barrel is secured by two screw fastened bands. The flat, flush-mounted lock plate is stamped with the British Crown/VR behind the hammer with “1857/TOWER” in front of it. The top of the barrel is stamped with three British export proof and view marks of either side of two “25” gauge marks. These are the correct view, proof, and gauge markings for rifles exported from Great Britain to the United States during the Civil War. This rifle was manufactured by the Birmingham gunmaking trade for export. Popularly known as the “Sergeants Rifle”, the Pattern 56 was adopted by the British Army in 1856.

This example includes a U.S. Armed Forces affidavit “Bring Back” paper from Bagram, Afghanistan dated August 17, 2016, listing this rifle by make, model, manufacture date, and serial number. Also included is a leather sling with beaded decorations.

This example has been around the block and back. Strong action. The bore is in good shape for its age. Well used stock. Cracks around the wrist are stable. “1857/TOWER” marked lock. Legible lettering and proof marks throughout. Bead decorated leather sling.


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

Barrel is 31-3/8 inches.

Caliber: .62 Smoothbored Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$1500

#226518
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes