British Pattern 1853 Enfield Musket (AL5366)

This British Pattern 1853 percussion musket was most likely used during the Civil War. The overall length is approx. 55.5". The 39" round 59 caliber barrel has a good smooth bore. The barrel has the usual Birmingham proofs and 25 caliber (577) marks (It was later bored smooth to 59 caliber.). The rear sight is absent. All the metal has a smooth brown patina. The lock is marked 1862 over TOWEER with a crown at the tail and a small oval with M&H inside at the front. We believe this stands for Moore & Harris who were gun makers and military contractors at Constitution Hill in Birmingham. The stock, which has been lightly sanded, is good with no chips or cracks, wood loss from erosion behind the nipple and some loss along the ramrod channel, parts of a shield like stamp to the rear of the trigger guard tang, and eight notches below the lock plate. The brass nose cap, trigger guard with the rear tang cross hatched, and butt plate are good. The swivels are absent and the ramrod is present. The action functions correctly. This is a good representative British Pattern 1853 musket that was most likely used in the Civil War. It would fit well in a British or Civil War collection.