The "Volunteer Rifle" was born out of necessity. While England maintained a sizeable military throughout the entirety of the 19th Century, the dawn of France's Second Empire period in 1852 caused the British government to become increasingly concerned of an invasion by the new French Emperor. As a result, the "Volunteer" movement was born. Tim Prince of College Hill Arsenal describes the period and guns that resulted:
"The patriotic “Volunteer” movement sought to establish a well-trained militia throughout the island nation to help defend the country . . . the British government encouraged the formation of these patriotic volunteer units to provide the core of a well-trained militia to help repel the feared invasion. These units often competed in local and national shooting competitions, in multiple categories. The primary class was the Military Match Rifle class, which required the use of arms that were essentially of current British military configuration, and in the standard British military .577 caliber. There was a large amount of latitude in the features that were legal on the firearms used in the Military Match Rifle target competitions. Other than the requirement that the gun essentially follow a standard, current military pattern, be able to mount a bayonet and be .577 caliber, almost anything that could enhance the accuracy of the gun was allowed. These features could be minimal, such as checkered stocks to enhance the shooter’s grip on the gun and competition quality locks, often with a fly on the tumbler, an enhanced trigger pull and a highly tuned action. More significant equipment upgrades could include precision adjustable sights and patent rifling patterns in the .577 caliber bores to enhance accuracy."
Volunteer rifles were generally made by the same firms that made standard pattern 1853 Enfields for the British Military. As a result most Volunteer Rifles are encountered with locks stamped with the same markings found on Enfield Rifles purchased for use during the American Civil War. Additionally, these Volunteer Rifles were among the first guns to be purchased by the Confederacy as they were generally higher quality than a typical P1853 musket.
This particular musket was produced by R.T. Pritchett of London. Pritchett produced many weapons for the South; including P1853, P1856, and P1860 muskets and rifles.
This rifle is in excellent condition. It features a very nice English Walnut stock with no cracks or rotten spots and no real damage of any kind other than a chip missing from the fore behind the front barrel key, and a modern repair in the left side lock panel that was secured with Brownells "acra-glas" making it extremely strong.
This rifle is military-styled and features a standard Enfield musket lock, a .577 caliber bore with standard military rifle sight and bayonet lug, as well as a trigger guard swivel to attach a sling. It's dimensions are similar to the standard pattern P1856 Rifle with a 32" barrel and an overall length of 48". However, in typical "Volunteer Rifle" fashions, this arm also sports some features not found on military rifles; like the addition of ram rod pipes in and barrel keys in lieu of barrel bands. The barrel is also connected to the stock via an English "hooked breech" instead of the standard tang and screw. Additionally, the butt plate of the rifle has been embellished with line engraving.
Functionally, this rifle is very good and in shootable condition. The hammer locks up tight on both full and half cock. The front and rear sights are original and intact. The bore has been reamed smooth and could likely still be shot, but could also be relined by someone like Bob Hoyt.
All the furniture is original with the exception of the ram rod which is an American-made reproduction.
This musket would be perfect for any British firearms collector. Additionally it would be a perfect choice for a reenacting or Living History enthusiast who is putting together an early war Confederate impression - all for a price that's less than that of a reproduction!
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