P53 Marking

[J.Karl]

Hello All,

I've been fighting the urge to get into Civil War era guns for sometime, but I bit the bullet. I know just enough about Enfields to be dangerous to my wallet, so I wanted to see if anyone could answer a few questions on this piece. It's got some wear-which is the way I like to see them.

I believe the ramrod is incorrect, but in the companion book I have it does show some of the early pattern 53's as having a swelled ramrod. It's my understanding that these early types were not imported during the CW.

Second, does anyone recognize the name stamped by the toe? I believe it says J. Boules. Any help is greatly appreciated and thanks for your time reading my post.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome to the forum, I'm sure you'll get some help before long. Paging @Lanyard Puller and @Craig L Barry they are the Enfield experts around here.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Could it be J Bourne? Joseph Bourne was a Birmingham gunmaker established in 1849 on Whitall Street, post-bellum they did business as Joseph Bourne & Son. Bourne was a member of the Birmingham Small Arms Trade which is marked on the stock roundel. I am not familiar with a gunmaking firm called J Boules and if it existed, they were not members of BSAT.

 

[J.Karl]

Could it be J Bourne? Joseph Bourne was a Birmingham gunmaker established in 1849 on Whitall Street, post-bellum they did business as Joseph Bourne & Son. Bourne was a member of the Birmingham Small Arms Trade which is marked on the stock roundel. I am not familiar with a gunmaking firm called J Boules and if it existed, they were not members of BSAT.

Yes, it very well could be. Unfortunately, there is some damage right at the end of the name. Looking at it again, with the light just right, you can make out a faint N. Wondering if anyone out there might have another example of Bourne's stamp for comparison? I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

I checked all of mine, and no luck on a "Bourne".

Almost all of my Enfields are CSA imports and I think the English makers really didn't want to stamp their names on the guns made to run the blockade. IMHO

BTW. the ram rod is not an Enfield P53 type for a P53 with an 1861 dated lock.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

You've selected a nice brown Mod3l 1853 rifle-musket for your first!

 

[J.Karl]

An internet search turned up a few guns stamped the same as this one-J.Bourne it is. I'd
like to disassemble it and check the internal markings, but unfortunately the top lock bolt is rusted in-place. Oh well, think I'll try to locate an appropriate rammer and enjoy the gun as it is. If anyone has a line on one let me know.

Now I have to decide what arm to focus on next-leaning towards a M1842.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

If you find a ram rod for your P53, remember: they are NOT interchangeable.
Try it first or get a guaranteed "return".

Here's my pile of Enfield ram rods which won't fit anything that needs one, so far.
The barrels are not as bad on the fitting issue but are invaluable for those bargain "cut-downs" that are worth restoration.
If you're close to South Carolina maybe we can make one of 'em fit.

The rare barrel is the 40 incher one with the <C> stamp on the squared off breech. Early P53 with some Colt surplus parts. some "S.C" examples have these.

 

[rebracer]

Nice Enfield...I can't help but notice that nice Kentucky/Mountain Rifle you have as well.

 

[J.Karl]

Nice Enfield...I can't help but notice that nice Kentucky/Mountain Rifle you have as well.

Thanks, it's one of my favorites. Kentuckies are one of my big passions. I build, shoot, and collect them. I recently sold a few and really regret it.

 

[J.Karl]

If you find a ram rod for your P53, remember: they are NOT interchangeable.
Try it first or get a guaranteed "return".

Here's my pile of Enfield ram rods which won't fit anything that needs one, so far.
The barrels are not as bad on the fitting issue but are invaluable for those bargain "cut-downs" that are worth restoration.
If you're close to South Carolina maybe we can make one of 'em fit.

View attachment 433509
The rare barrel is the 40 incher one with the <C> stamp on the squared off breech. Early P53 with some Colt surplus parts. some "S.C" examples have these.
View attachment 433510

I wish I were closer, I'm in Illinois. I'm going to the Chicago show in April, maybe I'll take the gun and see if I can find one. I thought about ordering one from Lodgewood and you might have just saved me some shipping money. Appreciate your knowledge.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

Tim Prince (college Hill Arsenal} will be there. He might have one that will work.
Hold out for an origional.