ConfederateCanuck
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2018
- Location
- Canad-istan
From what I have been able to determine on my own, everything, except the barrel, is of original British manufacture. For example, the “1862 Tower” lock is made by Tipping & Lawden (see engraving in 2nd photo above), one of the Birmingham firms, which apparently sold <1,000 of the 1853 Enfields to the South during the Civil War (see quote below):
“Here we have a P-1853 enfield made … by a rare Birmingham / London manufacturer, Tipping & Lawden. They didn't make many for the Confederates less than 1000 were made by them. “ (this quote taken from: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1317353971628359&id=287016961328737 )
Can anyone confirm those sales numbers or provide any additional information about Tipping & Lawden? I have no idea whether or not this gun was Confederate or not. I suspect not, but I have no real way of knowing.
The hammer (P47 marking), the trigger assembly (S marking), the stock (P marking), the brass endcap (faint 28 near bottom), and one of the barrel bands (B5V marking) have English numerals and letters (see photos below), but no markings by a specific manufacturer.
Also, inside the stock along the barrel channel (behind the ramrod spring) there are some unclear markings that might be lettering.
As for the barrel (not shown), it is clearly of Nepalese manufacture as it has numerous Nepalese markings, so I don’t have any questions about that.
So it appears to me that at some point, somebody replaced an old rotted original barrel with the Nepalese barrel that appears to be in suitable condition for live firing (to be safely tested in a few weeks when I get the chance).
Does anyone have any information about the markings shown in these photos (below)? Any first-hand knowledge, or any references that could help (books, websites) would be greatly appreciated.
Also, can anyone provide an estimate on what an original barrel might cost and where I can find one? Does anyone have one for sale?
This is my first 1853 Enfield, and it won’t be the last…..I just love these old beauties. Thanks to you all for taking the time to help out!
Hammer (P47 marking):
Trigger Assembly (S marking):
Stock (P marking):
Brass Endcap (faint 28 near bottom):
Barrel band (B5V markings):
Stock (possible letters inside channel behind ramrod spring):
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