Help identifying Enfield Barnett rifle

[raleav14]

Hi there.. I just aquired this gun from a friend who knows nothing about it. I'm enclosing pictures of everything that has a mark on it. From what I can tell , it's a model 1853. Can anyone narrow it down any further than that? There are 2 letter 'K' .. One on the but of the rifle, and the other, next to the hammer. I haven't cleaned this gun at all. Anything you see, are probably rub marks, aside from the makers mark, which someone may have touched years ago. Can anyone advise me how to clean any part of it at all? Or should I completely not touch it? Looks like a little rust at the end of the barrel. The rear sight looks like it says "PALMER' on it. As does one of the rings that hold the barrel on. That looks like JR Palmer?? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Would love to know if there's any way to tell if this was a Confederate gun. I aquired this with a Springfield Trapdoor rifle with a date of 1891 on it. Paid $200 for each gun.

 

[tbuckley]

Welcome from eastern Ohio.
An interesting Enfield. I have to say that I'm very jealous because of the price you got it for.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

You have a Pattern 1853 Type III rifle musket, contracted to J. E Barnett [London}, and put together by James Kerr { the K stamp}.

From the marks in your photos I can't tell if it was Confederate or a US import. The 3 proof marks on the breech confirm it was a London made and tested gun. The ramrod is replaced and not correct, otherwise the gun is in very good but dirty condition.

One place to look for a stamped number on the face of the buttplate, below the bottom screw. If there and correct it is a Confederate import, but Barnett did not number all of his guns, so that is not a deal breaker.

The "crown/R" behind the trigger assembly in the wood is seen on these guns and as yet isn't identified, but I'll check on this .

Palmer was a small parts maker in London, supplying barrel bands, sights, ram rods, etc to the gunmakers who assembled all the parts. These guns were not interchangeable, but each was "fitted up" by skilled workers.

BTW, You got the deal of the century on this P53... Don't do anything to it right now, except maybe a bit of very , very light oil on the exposed metal parts. Want to sell it for triple your $$$ ?

 

[Norm53]

Monitor, I've tried to unwatch this thread and forum with no results. Can you tell me what I'm doing wrong?

 

[Lanyard Puller]

Another idea... Look for a very small number stamped on the top of the barrel between the front sight and the muzzle, most likely between 1 and 40.

 

[raleav14]

Thanks for all the responses.. So When were Type III's made exactly?

 

[raleav14]

Hi Lanyard.. I didn't see any number on the buttplate, but you were right about there being one near the front sight.
What does that tell you?

 

[Lanyard Puller]

Those made for British military service were between 1858 and 1863 when production of the Type 4 began, and were used by them until breech loaders began to appear in 1867 or so. The commercial makers in London and Birmingham could have made them until the parts ran out or there was no longer a market.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

I typed the reply above before I checked the photo of your #25.

You've hit the jackpot my friend. There's your gun and number 17, 18, 38 and 39, all with the K, and the crown/R, All Barnett with crown/Tower locks.

The Enfield 'gurus" all agree these were most likely a private/dealer purchase of 2 cases, forty guns, for speculation and profit. I own number 18 and 37. Number 38 is in an Atlanta collection, and 17 is presently in Maryland.

No idea who bought them or where they were shipped from England, as private space was costly but available on blockade runners, and free commerce was going on to the US.

And now FIVE are known. Congrats.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy. Congratulations on a great find

 

[raleav14]

Lanyard Puller.>. This pic is for you, I could'nt send in private message. I'll delete it after you've seen it.

View attachment 303314

 

[Lanyard Puller]

Got it... Thanks

 

[captaindrew]

Nice piece!

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome From THE Heart Of Dixie. I see our resident CS Enfield guru has made your day. Be sure to check out our annual get together "CWT Invades Vicksburg" Hope you can join us.

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/cw...tour-the-official-thread.155709/#post-2006411

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Now I have to get my Barnett P-53 muskets out of storage!
J.

 

[raleav14]

Found these other marks when I took the barrel off for cleaning. Anyone have any idea about the numbers ? Or the xiii?

 

[Ricochet]

It's always great to hear when somebody finds a rare one. Congrats.

 

[raleav14]

After taking it apart for a 'light' cleaning. Thanks Lanyard Puller for all of the cleaning supply recommendations. I think it looks a lot better. I could have done more, but didn't want to go crazy on it.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

Looks great raleav14 !!

Start saving up for a correct ram rod and sling and she'll be 100%.
D

 

[Patrick H]

I was as surprised and pleased as anyone to learn what a rare find this is. I wonder how many nice old firearms languish in closets, etc., without the owners knowing what they have. One thing that struck me about our friend's Enfield is the excellent condition of the wood. The edges on the flat around the lock plate are extremely crisp. I've got shotguns that show more wear!