Tower Model Enfield

[quister]

I've aquired an 1863 Tower model Enfield that I don't know much about. It's in good condition and complete with a fully functional flip-up elevation sight, original ramrod and both sling mounts. I would think that reeanactors would be interested in a rifle like this. Any information or advice on where to find more informaion would be appreciated.

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome From THE Heart Of Dixie. We will need more photos to help out. If you could post photos of the lock-plate markings as well as any other marks of the left side of the barrel and any that may be on the stock or the butt plate tang it would be very helpful. Looking forward to seeing them.

 

[scooter748driver]

Welcome from the Fort Sumter and the Fredericksburg forums!

Lots of genuine experts here to help with your rifle. Looking forward to seeing the pics @ucvrelics suggested.

 

[Sundance]

Very nice. I'd like to see additional pics of the markings if you would be so kind.

 

[lelliott19]

Welcome From THE Heart Of Dixie. We will need more photos to help out. If you could post photos of the lock-plate markings as well as any other marks of the left side of the barrel and any that may be on the stock or the butt plate tang it would be very helpful. Looking forward to seeing them.

I tried to snip and sharpen a section, but there's not enough detail to see lockplate markings. There does seem to be some kind of marking on the hammer. The rear sight is intact and complete. Are the barrel bands on backwards? Screwhead on the wrong side? I thought the screw heads went on the side with the lockplate screws? I've been wrong before though.

 

[UCVRelics]

Thanks for that but more photos would be very helpful.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Are you asking about general information on the Civil War Enfield? This one you have here looks like a garden variety commercial Birmingham made Civil War 1853 Enfield long rifle at a glance. The English Connection by Pritchard & Huey is a good starting spot, Pete Smithhurst's Pattern 1853 Rifle is also good. There is really a good deal of information on-line if you do a little research.

 

[quister]

Here are some more photos.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Charles Reeves "Toledo Works." Well known Birmingham gun maker who started out as a sword maker in 1829. Pretty long chapter on the firm in Suppliers to the Confederacy Volume 1 (p. 95-99)

 

[Old Soldier]

Fairly typical civilian-sourced P53, but in much better condition than most. Can't see the ramrod too well to make any comment on that. The metalwork does need de-rusting and cleaning up and the stock needs that varnish removed and re-oiled. The 'TOWER' mark was applied to all locks made by Birmingham and London contractors and the barrel is Birmingham proofed. It may even have some Enfield approved parts inside, but it will probably be prone to suffer the main problems that all these cilivilan contract weapons had, like interchanagebility, but it may equally be one of the good ones.

When stripped down, the names of the contractors for each assembly are often stamped on the inside of the component parts.

 

[quister]

Here are some photos of the ramrod. Thanks for all the info, guys.

 

[Old Soldier]

Looks fairly typical for a Type 3, but not 'regulation' pattern, which tended to narrow much more quickly under the jags:

That doesn't mean it is not original. Anything stamped on it?

 

[quister]

I don't see any stamps, but it appears to be threaded at the other end...although the threads are a bit beatup.

 

[TexBadger]

in respect to the ramrod, what about a faint line just below the head (not the threaded end) of the ramrod? This would indicate that it is a two piece rod and might indicate a repro.

 

[Old Soldier]

in respect to the ramrod, what about a faint line just below the head (not the threaded end) of the ramrod? This would indicate that it is a two piece rod and might indicate a repro.

The repro heads are only an inch (2,5cm) log and follow the pattern closely. I can see something but it is too far down - it MAY be a notch machined into the rod as some have been seen to have - or perhaps just where it has worn on the stock capping!