1853 model enfield marks

[Ihatecomplicatedinterface]

What do these marks indicate?

 

[vmicraig]

The "25" designates its caliber which is .577. The smaller mark in front of the 25 is a barrel proof stamp. Pretty sure the mark that looks like an x (it's kinda blurry) is the broad arrow that shows proof of British Govt ownership

 

[Conquerordie]

The X I believe represent cross scepters. They are part of the proof markings that were applied while it was being proofed. As stated above, the gun is .577 or the standard caliber that the P53s were made in. 1862 Tower is the date it was manufactured.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

In the two photos you post, we see on the barrel the standard five marks showing this .577 caliber (25 bore as the Brits would say) barrel was proofed at the Birmingham proof house, and the lock is the standard Birmingham made lock dated 1862.
The screw on the sling swivel is a new replacement with non original domed head and installed from the wrong side. There are still buckets of original sling swivels around, but almost always offered with these new rounded screws. The hammer screw looks as old as the lock, but it has a thicker head - more of a round dome than the originals.

 

[Old Soldier]

This is a civilian contract rifle - the ones delivered to BOTH sides during the Civil War. These are Birmingham proofs. They are detailed, but too small to see that detail!
The three marks are (from left)

provisional (first) proof (before rifling often straight from the forge);
25(-bore) provisional bore

final view (intermediate proof) ;
25(-bore) final view bore

definitive (final) proof
Some rifles may be seen with 25 24 meaning a barrel that was first bored at .577" but was finished as .58" for Union forces.

The view may be made before rifling or with just rough rifling.

London proofs are different!

BTW - The screw on the hammer is not the original either

 

[vmicraig]

This is a civilian contract rifle - the ones delivered to BOTH sides during the Civil War. These are Birmingham proofs. They are detailed, but too small to see that detail!
The three marks are (from left)
View attachment 512059 provisional (first) proof (before rifling often straight from the forge);
25(-bore) provisional bore
View attachment 512062 final view (intermediate proof) ;
25(-bore) final view bore

View attachment 512061definitive (final) proof
Some rifles may be seen with 25 24 meaning a barrel that was first bored at .577" but was finished as .58" for Union forces.

The view may be made before rifling or with just rough rifling.

London proofs are different!

BTW - The screw on the hammer is not the original either

Any chance you have the pics of the London proofs - the ones above are great!

 

[Old Soldier]

Any chance you have the pics of the London proofs - the ones above are great!

Certainly:

provisional (first) proof (before rifling often straight from the forge);

final view (intermediate proof) ;
25(-bore) final view bore VERY RARE

definitive (final) proof

Most do NOT have the bore. The provisional mark will usually be towards the breech plug. There are variations.

Most of the original Confederate contracts will have mostly London Proofs, later ones more likely Birmingham, but both are mixed. LAC rifles (later contracts) will have either a London proof (early) or simply 'LAC' in the positions of the proofs

 

[vmicraig]

Certainly:
View attachment 512069
provisional (first) proof (before rifling often straight from the forge);
View attachment 512070
final view (intermediate proof) ;
25(-bore) final view bore VERY RARE

View attachment 512071
definitive (final) proof
View attachment 512072

Most do NOT have the bore. The provisional mark will usually be towards the breech plug. There are variations.
View attachment 512073
Most of the original Confederate contracts will have mostly London Proofs, later ones more likely Birmingham, but both are mixed. LAC rifles (later contracts) will have either a London proof (early) or simply 'LAC' in the positions of the proofs

Thank you Sir!

 

[Old Soldier]

Welcome.