Pick one, but only one

[scooter748driver]

Have sold off a few items as I transition to "collecting" Confederate items (I use the term collecting lightly as unless I win the lottery I'll ever only have a few pieces). I'm thinking about a Confederate rifle and have narrowed the choices to two guns; a Confederate P53 Enfield or a "Richmond" rifle.

The Enfield: 1861 Tower, JS Anchor, hand engraved serial number on butt plate (one of the first 10k) shipped over. Stock also has S stamped to designate W. Scott & Sons who furnished it for the contract. Mechanics all work. Missing rear site, rear sling swivel, but otherwise in very good condition.

The Richmond: 1863 dated with CS and RICHMOND VA on lock. Good stock with initials carved but hard to make out. Rear site replaced with grooved blade site. Seems to have been well used but is in good shape. Mechanics all work.

Both available from reputable sources and equally priced. As much as I'd like both, I can only afford one of then (and probably will be that way for some time, maybe ever - so whatever is purchased could be the only Confederate long arm I'll have).

Given this info, which one would you recommend and why? Ultimately I don't think I have a bad choice between the two, but I'd like to hear your recommendations.

Thank you.

 

[johan_steele]

The Richmond as there is no doubt that it was in CS hands. Providing it's all there. If it's been "sporterized" all you're buying are parts.

 

[plymouthairrifle]

Hands down the Richmond!! It was not just Confederate used but Confederate produced on this side of the pond.

 

[Package4]

Have sold off a few items as I transition to "collecting" Confederate items (I use the term collecting lightly as unless I win the lottery I'll ever only have a few pieces). I'm thinking about a Confederate rifle and have narrowed the choices to two guns; a Confederate P53 Enfield or a "Richmond" rifle.

The Enfield: 1861 Tower, JS Anchor, hand engraved serial number on butt plate (one of the first 10k) shipped over. Stock also has S stamped to designate W. Scott & Sons who furnished it for the contract. Mechanics all work. Missing rear site, rear sling swivel, but otherwise in very good condition.

The Richmond: 1863 dated with CS and RICHMOND VA on lock. Good stock with initials carved but hard to make out. Rear site replaced with grooved blade site. Seems to have been well used but is in good shape. Mechanics all work.

Both available from reputable sources and equally priced. As much as I'd like both, I can only afford one of then (and probably will be that way for some time, maybe ever - so whatever is purchased could be the only Confederate long arm I'll have).

Given this info, which one would you recommend and why? Ultimately I don't think I have a bad choice between the two, but I'd like to hear your recommendations.

Thank you.

Personally, I would go with a Southern manufactured and issued rifled musket, but first I would need to know if it is stocked with a Richmond stock and the barrel is Richmond, in addition to buttplate, nosecap etc.......There are far too many put togethers out there.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Richmond

 

[UCVRelics]

Defiantly Richmond.

 

[scooter748driver]

The Richmond as there is no doubt that it was in CS hands. Providing it's all there. If it's been "sporterized" all you're buying are parts.

It's all there and correct.

 

[UCVRelics]

It's all there and correct.

All I can add is when you get to these type purchases, I don't care who the dealer is, It up close and in my hand to inspect before I would buy. This is NOT an interweb buy. Just sayin

 

[JOHN42768]

Looks like all seem to agree on Richmond

 

[scooter748driver]

Looks that way

 

[Lanyard Puller]

The "Richmond".... BUT... only after You have inspected it for authentic parts, and unmolested condition.
There were lots of imported Enfields to both sides, but the C.S. Richmond, being far more scarce, should appreciate more over time.
IMHO

 

[scooter748driver]

The "Richmond".... BUT... only after You have inspected it for authentic parts, and unmolested condition.
There were lots of imported Enfields to both sides, but the C.S. Richmond, being far more scarce, should appreciate more over time.
IMHO

I've purchased a book on them which should arrive in a few days. Once I receive it I will do my due diligence so I know what to look for and what I'm looking at. I'm a firm believer in your sage advice to buy the books first!

 

[Kyle Kalasnik]

The experts have spoke. Either way, both would be nice.

Good luck!

 

[scooter748driver]

The experts have spoke. Either way, both would be nice.

Good luck!

Thanks!! I'm gonna research all about the Richmond once the book arrives then go from there. Eventually I'll post pics but it might be a while lol.

 

[Package4]

Thanks!! I'm gonna research all about the Richmond once the book arrives then go from there. Eventually I'll post pics but it might be a while lol.

Get an inspection period and since you are in NC set up a time to have one of the acknowledged experts take a look at it. There are quite a few within driving distance.