Here is a beautiful Confederate-inspected P1853 Enfield. Thanks to the exhaustive research efforts of Russ A. Pritchard and C.A. Huey's wonderful book The English Connection this honest-to-goodness Confederate musket is easily identified. This musket's Confederate provenance is denoted by its unique stock markings; in particular the "CROWN / SH / G3" markings stamped prominently in front of the butt plate tang. This marking was recently proven to belong to non other than the famous Confederate Purchasing House Sinclair Hamilton & Co.
While no one is sure why this Sinclair Hamilton & Co. stamp varies from the other style "SHC" markings found on other Confederate Enfields, the prevailing theory is that this style of marking was an attempt by the company to assign a number to each of the five furnishers that delivered muskets to the firm. Previously, these furnishers marked the comb of the butt with a single initial to indicate that they delivered the gun. The marks were B for EP Bond, F for Parker, Field & Son, K for James Kerr, (these 3 being London makers), S for Scott & Son and J for CW James (these last 2 being Birmingham makers). Just because their furnisher’s mark appeared on the stock, it did not necessarily mean that they built the gun, only that they delivered to Sinclair, Hamilton & Company under this contract. It is rational to presume that the number following the “G” in the SH/G# mark refers to the furnisher for the contract.
In addition to the "SH/G/#" stamp, this rifle also bears a crisp and legible script "JC" within an oval found on the left lock panel. These markings are always found in conjunction with the Crown/SH/G3 markings mentioned above. While the identity of this particular "JC" inspector is unknown it is considered to be a Confederate marking by Russ Pritchard Jr. and is also documented in the book The English Connection.
In addition to its Confederate provenance, this Enfield is in excellent condition, with a crisp stock and no reproduction or replacement parts!
The stock is very good with some minor handling marks and no areas of major damage. In addition to the Confederate markings, this stock also sports a very crisp and legible "TAYLOR & NEWMAN" stock-maker's stamp on the bell of the buttstock.
The 1862-dated lock functions flawlessly on both full and half cock; and features a very nice patina.
The barrel is full length and shows a pleasing, untouched brown patina which is present on all of the gun's steel components. Birmingham proof marks can be found stamped at the breech.
The bore shows some good rifling but is very heavily rusted and pitted near the muzzle; likely a result of humidity/moisture during storage.
The furniture is in good condition and all matching.
This is a great opportunity to pick up an original Confederate Enfield for about a third of the price that unmodified CS guns sell for. And, with a little work, this gun could once again be restored to its original configuration with the addition of a spliced forearm and a relined bore!
