Here's a great, collectible Enfield. This early war Barnett P1853 is a great example of the most imported musket of the war. Barnett was worked very closely with the Confederacy in providing arms for the South. While there were a few Barnett-made muskets that were purchased by Northern purchasing agents, the overwhelming majority of Barnett Enfields were sent to the Confederacy, with some collectors considering Barnett-made Enfields to be Confederate-owned guns unless proven otherwise!
The stock of this musket is in fair shape, and shows some evidence of recent repair work, as there are multiple cracks that have been repaired. This repair work appears to have been professionally done, as the stock appears to be quite sound with no flexing of the stock.
The lock, features nice, crisp markings. The hammer holds solid on both half and full cock.
The barrel is full length with London proof marks appropriate for a Barnett gun, indicating that this is not simply a gun that was assembled from parts . The front and rear sights are both original and intact, although the slide is missing from the rear sight ladder. The bore shows considerable use, and is quite dark and rusty with no visible rifling.
The furniture is all original and in good condition.
This musket would be a great choice for any collector - a likely Confederate piece for roughly the same price as an out-of-the-box Italian reproduction.
