Potts & Hunt

[kmlmoose]

I have a Potts & Hunt either P58 Bar on Band, or P56 type 2. I am not sure what the difference is and can not find much info on either. But from what I can find is that it has all the correct markings, but is missing is the Rear Sight. The stock has a number 217 stamped in it next to the butt plate and on the bayonet lug which is on the front barrel band. So what I am asking for is where can I find out about this rifle and is there any correct type Rear Sight that I can get and install on this rifle?

 

[johan_steele]

If the rear sling swivel is on the trigger guard it is likely a P58, if on the rear of the stock P56. Lodgewood & S&S both sell repro rear sights.

Look for Firearms from Europe

I have a Potts & Hunt either P58 Bar on Band, or P56 type 2. I am not sure what the difference is and can not find much info on either. But from what I can find is that it has all the correct markings, but is missing is the Rear Sight. The stock has a number 217 stamped in it next to the butt plate and on the bayonet lug which is on the front barrel band. So what I am asking for is where can I find out about this rifle and is there any correct type Rear Sight that I can get and install on this rifle?

 

[Craig L Barry]

Potts and Hunt was an interesting gun firm. They had offices in both London and Birmingham, by
offices I mean manufacturing facilities. Potts was both a member of the Worshipful Company of
Gunmakers in London, and (though documentation is scant) part of the founding of Birmingham Small
Arms Trade. The documentation that exists is in private hands in the form of letters to his family.

The rear sight would be the standard ladder type Enfield rifle sight and you would expect to
find London barrel proof marks. Lodgewood or S & S Firearms would be a couple places you could
check.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

More simply asked, is the bayonet lug on the barrel, or the barrel band?

Jobe

 

[Craig L Barry]

Both were found. The bar on band was later.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Oooops! My bad, I didn't pay attention to exactly what he said about the Bar-on-Band/P-56 Type 2. There is no difference, they are one in the same.

There are three names for the same rifle. According to D.W. Bailey's "British Military Longarms 1815 - 1865", page 75, it is known as a "Pattern 1858 Short Rifle", aka "Pattern 1856 No. 2", aka "Bar-on-Band".

Jobe.