Confederate Enfield P53

[Cannonman1]

Attaching an image of markings on a P53 I just picked up. I am on the steep learning curve on these and understand the 24 marking indicates .58 cal rather then .577... I assume this is either a Union import or Confederate but do not know.. What say you all??

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

Neither. Those are British government stamps. I have seen this musket online and it's possible the barrel is a replacement, or maybe the lock is. It would be very unusual to find a commercial 1862 dated lock on a gun with British martial proofs and it be in it's original configuration.

 

[Cannonman1]

Neither. Those are British government stamps. I have seen this musket online and it's possible the barrel is a replacement, or maybe the lock is. It would be very unusual to find a commercial 1862 dated lock on a gun with British martial proofs and it be in it's original configuration.

Silly question but how do you know its a commercial lock?

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

It doesn't have a VR at the tail, or a small crown arrow stamp near the mainspring pin hole. Also, the British military wasn't buying new guns from the BSAT in 1862.

 

[Cannonman1]

It doesn't have a VR at the tail, or a small crown arrow stamp near the mainspring pin hole. Also, the British military wasn't buying new guns from the BSAT in 1862.

Thank you!! This was very helpful.

 

[Obi1gr]

you'd be better off backing out of that one if you can. i've had dealings with that seller in the past and have gotten completely and properly f'ckd

 

[Old Soldier]

If it is a replacement, it would have been 'sold out of service' and have the two opposing arrows on it -x-, just above the (crown down arrow) acceptance mark. I can't see that. It would be civilian proofed too - no sign either. The examiners marks are all Birmingham. I would need to see more photos to go any further.

*Lock replacement - easy to do. I have a Snider-Enfield Artilery carbine new made with a steel barrrel. These were made in Enfield from 1869 onwards. Nowhere else. The lock has a well-engraved large crown with VR between hammer and nipple. This is NOT the way it was done after 1853. On stripping, the lock has LAC stamped on the inside. They went out of business in 1866! It looks like a relatively modern apprentice piece on a rather rusty old carbine!