The firm of Edward Philip Bond was one of the larger London gunmaking companies, which could trace their roots in the gun making business to the early 1700’s, when the first Bond of the family was “Freed of the Gunmakers Company” (released from apprenticeship as a “master” gunmaker) in 1730. Over the next hundred years the family flourished in the gun trade, and in 1835 Edward Philip Bond was apprenticed to his uncle William Thomas Bond. In 1836, Edward was turned over to John Edward Barnett to continue his apprenticeship and was free of the Gunmakers Company in 1842. The time Bond spent apprenticed to Barnett no doubt established the long time relationship between the two companies that continued well into the American Civil War era, as both firms became major suppliers of arms to the Confederacy. Along with Barnett, Bond was one of the "Five Furnishers" organized by Archibald Hamilton of Sinclair, Hamilton & Co to provide "Long Enfields" to the Confederacy.
The "Five Furnishers" consisted of the three London firms of EP Bond, Parker, Field & Son, and James Kerr; along with Scott & Son and CW James, based in Birmingham. An October 31, 1861 dated letter from Sinclair, Hamilton & Co. notes that the contract was divided between the furnishers as follows: 8,000 guns from Scott & Son, 10,000 from CW James, 6,000 from E.P. Bond, 5,500 from Parker, Field & Co and 500 from James Kerr. Because of their exclusive relationship with Sinclair, Hamilton & Co. EP Bond Enfields are all considered to be Confederate-owned by collectors.
Further reinforcement of this musket's Confederate provenance is the script "JH" cartouche found on the comb of the stock, directly in front of the butt plate tang. This marking has been identified by noted Confederate weapon historian Russ A. Pritchard and College Hill Arsenal's Tim Prince as a Confederate acceptance mark and is documented in their authoritative work The English Connection. This "JH" cartouche is featured on pg. 115 of the book. Pritchard and Prince have noted this particular cartouche as only observed on London-made Enfields and is considered by the pair to be associated with Sinclair, Hamilton & Co.
In addition to its Confederate provenance, this EP Bond Enfield is in great condition. The stock is very good with some minor handling marks and no areas of major damage; its only real blemish is a portion of wood missing near the top of the barrel channel between the middle and front band. Additionally, there is a nicely executed repair to the lock mortise which blends into well with the rest of the stock (see photos).
The lock functions flawlessly on both full and half cock; and features nice, legible markings.
The barrel is full length with correct London proof marks. The London proof marks on the barrel are crisp and legible; and are appropriate for an EP Bond-produced Enfield; indicating that this is a legitimate EP Bond gun, and not a parts gun made from a combination of BSAT and Pritchett parts. A set of original front and rear sights are intact and unmodified.
The bore is good with strong rifling and some wear near the muzzle from ramming.
The furniture is in good condition and all matching. The ram rod is an American-made reproduction
Here's a great opportunity to own a complete Confederate Enfield for a bargain price. This handsome EP Bond is sure to be the crown jewel of anyone's Civil War collection.
