Royal Arms Factory Enfield 1853 .58 Cal Black Powder Rifle, ATF Antique
SOLD FOR: $955
WYOA#: WY240315JV094
Make: Royal Arms Factory/Enfield
Model: 1853
Serial#: None
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1853-1867 Antique
Caliber: .58 Cal Black Powder Only
Action Type: Percussion Muzzleloader.
Markings: This rifle has the Birmingham Proof House Mark and “24” with other proofs. The stock is marked, “HALL”
Barrel Length: 39”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a flip up tangent ladder sight marked out to 9.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: This musket has a single piece full length wood stock with a straight grip, straight comb, with a brass buttplate. The stock is held in place with barrel bands and an action screw. There are cracks throughout the length of the forend, and the wood has recessed from the metal parts from age. There are pressure dents and scratches. The LOP is 13.5” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. Overall, the refinished stock is in Poor condition.
Type of Finish: Blued/brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is moderate pitting and corrosion inside this barrel. The rifling is worn In this writer’s opinion, this rifle rates a 5/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. This rifle has pitting over its metal surface, the bluing has gone to patina. The barrel has nicks and dings throughout. The nipple is new. The screwheads are tooled but remain serviceable. The markings are blurry. Overall, the rifle is in Good condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: The Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle, commonly known as the “Three-Band Enfield,” is a muzzleloading rifle that served as the standard infantry weapon for British and Commonwealth forces during the mid-19th century. It was widely used during the American Civil War and other conflicts of the period. Designed by William Ellis Metford and manufactured at the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, England, the Pattern 1853 Rifle replaced the earlier Pattern 1851 and Pattern 1842 muskets. It features a .58 caliber rifled barrel and is designed to fire a lead Minie ball projectile. The Enfield 1853 Rifle is characterized by its distinctive three steel bands securing the barrel to the wooden stock. These bands provided added strength and stability to the rifle. The stock is typically made from walnut or another hardwood and features a straight comb design with a metal buttplate.
One of the notable features of the Enfield 1853 is its effective range, which exceeded that of contemporary smoothbore muskets. The rifled barrel imparted spin to the projectile, increasing accuracy and allowing the rifle to engage targets at longer distances. It was also equipped with adjustable sights for improved accuracy. During the American Civil War, both the Union and Confederate armies imported large numbers of Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifles from British manufacturers to supplement their arsenals. The rifle saw extensive use in battles on both sides of the conflict and earned a reputation for its reliability and accuracy. After the American Civil War, the Enfield 1853 continued to see service with various military forces around the world, including British colonial troops and other nations’ armed forces. It remained in use well into the late 19th century before being gradually replaced by more modern breech-loading firearms. -R.E.
