ARIZONA SWORDS ARIZONA SWORDS
Enfields-Revolvers-Muskets
CLICK BELOW BUTTONS TO SEE AVAILABLE ITEMS
Beware of fake and misrepresented edge weapons.
Click above to see examples of known fakes!
***********************************************************************************************************
CLICK IMAGES TO SEE MORE PHOTOS
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
.jpg', 'DSC_00022028229', 'width=1109,height=774,toolbar=no,menubar=no,status=no,scrollbars=no,resizable=no')) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F242. HENRY ASTON MODEL 1842 PERCUSSION PISTOL: The Model 1842 was the last single shot smoothbore pistol issued by the U.S. Army. It remained in service through the first years of the Civil War. Manufactured by Henry Aston of Middleton, Connecticut, who produced approximately 6000 1842 pistols between 1851-1852. This pistol represents the late production models with a "1851" dated lock and barrel tang. The barrel band, trigger guard, butt-cap and back strap are brass. The stock is oil finished walnut. The .54 caliber barrel is fitted with a button-head swivel ramrod. The brass barrel band has strap extension that is connected to the side plate. The butt-cap and back strap are a single piece and extend to the barrel tang. The lock plate has a beveled edge and is marked: "MIDDtn/CONN/1851" vertically in three lines behind the hammer and "U.S./H. ASTON & CO" in two lines in front of the hammer. The top of the barrel is faintly stamped: "US/WN", and there are several small sub-inspectors’ initial “H” on the brass. The barrel tang is dated "1851". Small block "W" sub-inspector initials are stamped on the side plate. The left stock flat is stamped an Oval-JH inspection cartouche. Shipping & Insurance included! $895.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F329. CONFEDERATE JS - ANCHOR MARKED & SERIAL NUMBERED P-1853 ENFIELD: The most iconic imported arms to see service with the Confederacy during the American Civil War is the British P-1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, marked with the Confederate JS-Anchor viewer’s mark of John Southgate, combined with an engraved Confederate inventory number on the tang of the brass butt plate. If a collector were to have only one true Confederate imported weapon in their collection, one of these Confederate marked Enfields would be the perfect addition. According to Confederate Chief of Ordnance Josiah Gorgas’s February 3, 1863 summary of imported arms, some 70,980 “Long Enfield Rifles” were purchased from the beginning of the war through the end of 1862. The majority of these arms were purchased from the firms of S. Isaac, Campbell & Company or Sinclair, Hamilton & Company. During the course of the war, Sinclair, Hamilton & Company appears to have received as many as five contracts for P-1853 Enfield Rifle Muskets from the Confederate central government. The second of these contracts for 30,000 P-1853 “Long Enfields’ is the one represented by the guns with the JS / (ANCHOR) mark, along with the engraved butt plate tang inventory numbers. These inventory numbers ran from 1-10,000 in three series. The first series had no suffix after the number, while the second had an “A” suffix under the inventory number and the third had a “B” suffix. Sinclair, Hamilton & Company acquired their arms through “Five Furnishers: London gunmakers EP Bond; Parker, Field & Co; James Kerr; C.W. James; and W.C. Scott & Son. The furnishers often marked their guns with a large single letter on the upper comb of the stock, just forward of the butt plate tang: B for Bond, F for Parker, Field & Co, J for James, K for Kerr and S for Scott & Son. This Enfield is marked with a JS-Anchor on the underside below the trigger guard, a J forward of the butt plate, and the serial number 9526 on the butt plate. It is all original with matching assembly mark \ | /; except the unnumbered ram-rod and no rear site, which often are lost during battle. The stock has two set of soldier’s initials “H F N” & “A.F.W” but no additional marks that would help with an identification. There is a crack in the comb of the stock that was period repaired and pinned. It was well done and the gun is solid. The lock properly holds in both half and full cock, and the bore has strong rifling. Enfield rifles with these markings are difficult to fine! Shipping & Insurance included. This is a great value at this price. $2600.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F362. CONFEDERATE “K” & "JS ANCHOR" MARKED - NUMBERED P-1853 ENFIELD: During the early days of the war, Confederate purchasing agents secured contracts for the British P-1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, and according to Confederate Chief of Ordnance, Josiah Gorgas’s, some 70,980 Long Enfield Rifles were purchased from the beginning of the war through the end of 1862. These numbers only account for Confederate central government purchases, and not those purchased by states or by profiteers. The majority were purchased from S. Isaac, Campbell & Company or Sinclair, Hamilton & Company. They had several contracts with the Confederacy to deliver P-1853 Enfield Rifle Muskets, with the typical contract terms requiring 30,000 stands of arms to be delivered over a six-month period. Sinclair, Hamilton & Company appears to have received at least five of these Confederate central government contracts for P-1853 Enfield Rifle Muskets. The second of these contracts for 30,000 P-1853 “Long Enfields’ is the one represented by the guns with the JS / (ANCHOR) inspection mark, along with the engraved butt plate tang inventory control numbers. These numbers ran from 1-10,000 in three series. The first series had no suffix after the number, while the second series of 10,000 had an “A” suffix under the inventory number and the third series of 10,000 had a “B” suffix. Sinclair, Hamilton & Company acquired their arms through “Five Furnishers.” The London furnishers were the longtime gunmakers EP Bond and Parker, Field & Co, with James Kerr receiving a tiny portion of the contract (only 500 guns). The balance was delivered by the Birmingham firms CW James and W.C. Scott & Son. The furnishers often marked the guns delivered with a large single letter on the upper comb of the stock: B for Bond, F for Parker, Field & Co, J for James, K for Kerr and S for Scott & Son. An October 31, 1861 dated letter from Sinclair, Hamilton & Co. notes that the contract was divided between the furnishers as follows:
CW James:
10,000
Scott & Sons: 8,000 guns
E.P. Bond: 6,000 guns
Parker, Field & Co: 5,500 guns
James Kerr:
500 guns
Kerr represent slightly less than 2% of the total delivered. To date only 6 of the 500 P-1853s delivered by James Kerr under this contract have been noted. Of the 6 known specimens, 2 are marked CARR / LONDON on the lock, three have blank unmarked locks, and one is marked 1861 / TOWER. Two of the guns are the obsolete “Type II” P-1853 Enfield rifle musket with solid barrel bands retained by springs, and the other are the typical “Type III” Enfield pattern arms. Due to the very small delivery total and extremely low survival rate, James Kerr furnished, P-1853 Enfields are extremely rare and the hardest examples to locate! It is often missing from even the most advanced collections of Confederate imported Enfields. This gun is in attic condition and is complete with the original numbered ram-rod, barrel bands and sling swivels, but missing the rear site blade. The butt plate and ram-rod are serial number 5945 and the letter “K” is stamped in the stock forward of the butt plate tang. The JS Anchor stamp is all gone. Sometime with magnification I think I can see a faint outline, but then I see nothing. Shipping & Insurance included. I purchased this from Rebel Relics himself. Shipping & Insurance included. $9,100.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
|
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F364. PATTERN 1856 ENFIELD 2-BAND RIFLE: The Pattern 1856 Enfield 2-band rifle was purchased by both the North and South during the Civil War, and without certain markings it is hard to know which side carried this gun. It is complete with all original barrel band, sling swivels, adjustable real site, steel butt plate and trigger guard, and ramrod. The lock is TOWER marked and dated 1861 with a CROWN and no British governments markings, and properly functions in both half and full cock; and the nipple is original. The stock has expected dings and bumps and is complete with no breaks, and is maker marked T. TURNER. Also, to the real of the trigger guard and swivel is stamped a faint CROWN and B S A for the Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited (BSA). All the steel has the same matching plum-brown patina. The barrel rifling is gone and is a smooth bore, which is common for a Confederate gun. Shipping & Insurance included. $1700.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F371. WHITNEY NAVY REVOLVER - 2ND MODEL, 4TH TYPE: This is a Whitney Navy percussion revolver from the era of the American Civil War. The Whitney Navy was a 6-shot, .36 caliber, single action percussion revolver that was manufactured from the late 1850s through the early 1860s. Some 33,000 Whitney Navy revolvers were produced during the production run, with many seeing US government use. The US Army acquired 10,587 of the revolvers between 1861 and 1864 and the US Navy purchased an additional 6,226 between 1863 and 1865. The state of New Jersey purchased 920 Whitney Navy revolvers in 1863, but 792 of those guns were subsequently resold to the US Army in 1863 and 1864. A number of Whitney Navy revolvers also appear to have been acquired by the South and saw service during the American Civil War. Some were purchased prior to the outbreak of hostilities and many more after the conflict started. These later production guns were no doubt obtained through a combination of capturing weapons and purchasing the guns surreptitiously from secondary retailers rather than Whitney. At least two-dozen Whitney Navy revolvers are known to have been repaired for use by the 4th Virginia “Black Horse” Cavalry, and a handful of identified Whitney Navy revolvers with Confederate provenance exist was well. It is not surprising that the revolver found favor on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. This Whitney Navy revolver is all original and complete with matching numbers. The serial number "23867 A". The number is stamped on the cylinder, loading lever and underside of the barrel, and on the grips. The action it tight and the hammer properly drops. The grips are original and complete, and the cylinder scene is weak but visible under magnification. Shipping & Insurance included. $1450.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F377. 1860 - HARTFORD COLT - MODEL 1851 NAVY REVOLVER:
This is a Hartford Colt – Model 1851 Navy
revolver made in 1860. The serial number #97003
matches on all parts except the cylinder which is #96703. With the last three numbers on the cylinder being 703 and the last four on the gun being 7003, there is a high probability this was
a factory error since Colt was quickly filling contracts for shipments to
Southern states. Then again, it could have been switch in the field. Both serial numbers are from the 1860
production year. Many of the 1860 Hartford Colt revolvers were sold to Southern
states and this gun is well within the ranges of known examples that went
to South Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana; however, the Colt recorded for
this gun were destroyed in a fire. It is highly probable this was a Confederate
carried revolver. The gun is complete and properly functions. The grips are
tight and complete; all screws are original; the bore shows wear but the
rifling is still present; and the silver finish is present in the trigger guard
area. Hartford Colt 1850 Navy Revolver are very desirable, especially those
made in 1860. Shipping &
Insurance included. $2150.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
“Z”
F379. RARE! - CONFEDERATE CAPTURED, CLEANED & REPAIRED NEW MODEL SHARPS, UNION RECAPTURED AND POST WAR CONVERTED TO .50-70 CARBINE: This is an extremely rare Civil War & Post War Sharps Carbine. It originally started as a New Model Sharps and was issued early in 1865 to union troops, was Confederate captured and went through the Clean & Repaired process, butthen Union recaptured and later converted to .50 – 70 in 1868 for Indian War use. The serial number on this gun is C19440. C19358 went to the 15th New York Cavalry and C19543 went to the 8th New York Cavalry, so it is likely this gun when to one of those two units, which where both fighting in Virginia during the advance on Richmond. This Sharps Carbine went through the Confederate C&R (clean, repair) process and has the inspection mark “Z” on the underside to the rear of the trigger tang. This mark is associated with Captain Louis Zimmer, who was involved with Confederate clean and repair operations at Richmond. It is unknown exactly what work was done on the gun during the C & R process, and I doubt the gun was ever reissued to Confederate troops as Richmond fell. The gun is in amazing condition. The barrel is marked New Model 1863 to the rear of the site with faint HARTFORD CT mark to the front. The SHARP maker mark is on the front of the lock with the correct marks on the opposite side. The barrel retains 98% + original finish and has a bright 6-grove bore, and there is a good amount of case-coloring on the gun. The stock is in near-mint condition and there is the post-war cartouche that was applied when the gun was converted to .50-70. There is a small chip on the forearm of the stock, but otherwise also near-mint. From February 1868 to October 1869, approximately 32,190 carbines were switched over to the .50-70 cartridge. The carbines were immediately sent to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments in the West. This is an amazing example of a Sharps Carbine which saw action in Virginia during the Civil War, was Confederate captured and Union recaptured, and later converted to .50-70 for Indian War Service. Shipping & Insurance included. $8300.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
|
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F383. CONFEDERATE CAPTURED - "Z" MARKED - CLEANED, REPAIRED & REISSUED - SECOND MODEL BURNSIDE CARBINE: It is estimated that approximately 2000 Second Models Burnside carbines were made from 1860-62 and the majority saw hard service during the Civil War and very few survived. Cavalry units that were issued the Second Model included the 1st Maine, 1st New Jersey, 1st Pennsylvania, 1st and 2nd Indiana, and the 1st and 2nd Rhode Island whose cavalry carried them in the first Battle of Bull Run. This was the last Burnside to be made without a wooden forearm. The walnut butt stock shows numerous handling marks and a faint, but visible cartouche. It is patent date marked and Burnside stamped on right side with matching serial number 1344 on the upper and lower receiver and the bottom of the barrel. The gun is all original with an even brown patina and the barrel retains much original rifling. On the underside of the stock behind the trigger tang is stamped the letter “Z” which is one of the viewer inspection marks for guns that were captured off a battles field and cleaned, repaired, and reissued to Confederate troops. A Second Model Burnside is a difficult gun to find in any condition, and even more rare is to find one that was Confederate captured and went through the Clean & Repair, and reissued process. Shipping & Insurance included. $5800.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F385. RARE - CONFEDERATE HOLSTER & MARTIALLY MARKED SAVAGE NAVY REVOLVER: Confederate holsters are rare to find, and it is even more uncommon to find one for a Savage Navy Revolver. I purchased this directly from Tim Prince of (College Hill Arsenal) and just love its look! The holster is brown leather; complete with the flap, and has the complete back belt loop, but missing the retention button. It is worn at the hammer location and at the bottom where the barrel is visible. The Savage Navy revolver has an even brown patina; is missing the front site; properly cycles; has original grip which have a carved cross over the original cartouche, but does not hold in the full cock position. Shipping & Insurance included. $4100.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
)
Michigan Cavalry Soldier armed with an Allen & Wheelock Revolver, Colt Carbine & Saber
F394. ALLEN & WHEELOCK CENTER HAMMER ARMY: This is an example of a Civil War Production Allen & Wheelock Army revolver that was manufactured by the Worchester, Massachusetts firm in 1861-62. Allen & Wheelock manufactured approximately 700 Center Hammer Army revolvers; the Ordnance Department purchased 536 of these revolvers in 1861. Nearly all those guns were subsequently issued to the 2nd & 3rd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry regiments. The revolver was a .44 caliber, six-shot, percussion single action revolver that had a 7 ½” half-round and half-octagon barrel that utilized a unique ratcheting loading lever that formed the trigger guard of the revolver. Surviving examples with original case blue finish are rare. The gun remains in very crisp, complete condition with assemble number 66, and displays well with original blue finish on the cylinder; hammer; trigger; and a good amount of original finish on the underside of the barrel and recessed areas. The grips are tight and in near-mint condition! Several revolvers close to the number of this gun are listed in the Springfield Research Service file as having been in the possession of A company of the 3rd Michigan Cavalry; numbers 65 & 66. Since only two small recorded groups of Allen & Wheelock Army serial numbers are known, Company I 3rd MI Cavalry and Company A 2nd MI Cavalry, it is quite likely this gun was issued to another company within the 3rd MI Cavalry. This would be a wonderful addition to any advanced collection of secondary martial revolvers, and will certainly be a fine addition to a Michigan Cavalry grouping. Overall, this is an outstanding example of an Allen & Wheelock Center Hammer Army percussion revolver. Shipping & Insurance included. $3700.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F395. CONFEDERATE ALTERED - HARPERS FERRY 1842 MUSKET - 1845 DATED: This 1842 Harpers Ferry musket is Confederate altered to the size of a 2-band rifle, and once had a Confederate blade site. It is in attic-found condition and has not been cleaned and is all original! The stock is rough with a few splits in the stock near the left side of the barrel, but the wood is strong and not loose. The lock properly functions in both half & full cock position and is dated the same as the barrel;1845. The ramrod is originally for an 1860 Springfield rifle, but was shorten and treaded at its bottom, not just cut down. On the top of the barrel, you can see two groves for a Confederate blade site, which is long gone. There is also is saddle wear on the underside forward of the trigger guard. Shipping & Insurance is included. $995.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F399. COOK & BROTHER LOCK - CONFEDERATE ARSENAL REPAIRED - “G” MARKED, SERIAL NUMBER BUTT PLATE, JS-ANCHOR MARKED 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE: This is a “G” marked, serial numbered butt plate and JS-Anchor marked 1853 Enfield that was arsenal repaired with a Cook & Brother lock and a replaced PRITCHER barrel. This work was most likely done at the Macon Georgia armory. The “G” marked is faint as a result of the stoke being armory refurbished; the butt plate serial number is 1449, and the JS Anchor is readable. The original lock was replaced with a Cook & Brother lock, which has the Confederate flag is date 1863, Athens Ga. and serial numbered. The main spring is missing as well as one internal screw, which I believe can be replaced making the lock proper function. The original barrel most likely sustained battle damage and was replace with a replacment PRITCHER barrel as is evident by the vice clamp marks. Also, the nipple cone was modified to match up to the Cook & Brother hammer. The original serial number places this gun within the Gladiator range. A Gladiator range serial number butt plate Enfield is rare, even more unique is one that was Macon arsenal repaired with a replacement barrel and a Cook & Brother lock. Shipping & Insurance included. $6500.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
|
“Z”
F401. CONFEDERATE “Z” MARKED CLEANED AND REPAIRED - ORIGINAL CONFEDERATE PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE: This is an original purchased Confederate Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle with a Script “WC” viewers mark forward of the butt plate tang. On page 116 of the book “English Connection” it states “This unusual and distinctive mark appears on a Birmingham rifle musket with an “1862” / “TOWER” lock. This is the only stamp seen with this unique style of lettering. Others are seen either conventional block or script letters.” This Enfield also has the letter “Z” on the underside, forward of the trigger tang, which means this gun went through the “C&R” Clean & Repair at the Richmond Arsenal/Artillery Work-shop and inspected by Lous Zimmer. The stock is all original as it the barrel and bands and sling swivels. The lock is dated 1863 and looks original, but may be replaced since the book mentions an 1862 lock for the original “WC” viewer marks. The lock proper function, the nipple is original as is the ramrod and the bore has strong rifling, but dark and need cleaned. The rear site is missing. Shipping & Insurance included. An original “WC” viewer marked Confederate Pattern 1853 Enfield are rare to find, even more exceptional is finding on that went through the “C&R” Clean & Repair process. Shipping & Insurance included. $2900.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
Within the past 6 months, I located three Civil War period modified cut-down Confederate Enfield rifles.
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F406. 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE – CONFEDERATE ARSENAL MODIFIED TO COMBAT SHOTGUN: During the Civil War, the South recovered weapons and other military items off the battlefield to be refurbished and reused. For those weapons being restored to original condition, the Clear & Repair system in Richmond was utilized. However, there was another earlier system established to convert some guns for a purpose other than originally designed. Many full-sized guns were cut-down and smoothed bored making them into shotguns to use buck & ball ammunition. Buck and ball was a common load use by Confederates and consisted of a large caliber lead musket ball combined with three to six buckshot pellets. This was not a post-war conversion, but done early in the war. This is an early Confederate Enfield rifle. It has serial number 8056 on the butt plate; “S” stamped on the top of the stock for the maker “Smith” and a JS Anchor on the underside by the trigger tang. The barrel is reduced to 28 1/2 inches and smooth bored; the rear site was removed; the barrel has a cut for a front site and a cut for a bayonet lug. There is no rear swivel, and the lock is marked CROWN /TOWER/1861. The lockproperly functions, and has the modified ram-rod, which is rare. Shipping & Insurance is included. $2100.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
|
|
) |
******************************************************************************************************************************
)
GEORGIA PURCHASED 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE – CONFEDERATE ARSENAL MODIFIED TO COMBAT SHOTGUN
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F420. BRITISH PATTERN 1853 ARTILLERY CARBINE: This is a British Pattern 1853 Artillery Carbine in near-mint condition. It is in 100% original condition and is complete with both sling swivels; both British inspected barrel bands; a Belgium made and British inspected barrel; English war department inspected CROWN V * R 1860 lock; original nipple protector and chain; and a British unit identified butt plate; and a crisp 3-grove bore. The action is tight and properly functions. Shipping & Insurance included. $1800.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F421. BRITISH MILITARY PATTERN 1856 CAVALRY CARBINE: In 1856 the Pattern 1856 Cavalry Carbine was authorized by the British War Department. The gun was a compact, muzzle loading percussion firearm with a 21” barrel with the service standard .577” bore. The carbine closely resembled the P1853 Rifle Musket that it was patterned after, with a blued barrel and barrel bands, color case hardened lock and brass furniture. The ramrod was of the captive design, mounted to stud under the barrel, near the muzzle, with a pair of swiveling arms. The rear sight was of the same pattern used on the P1853 Artillery Carbine and consisted of a fixed 100-yard leaf and two additional folding leaves for 200 and 300 yards, respectively. The carbine was 37” in overall length, and included an iron sling bar opposite the lock, secured to the stock with iron side nail cups that also secured the lock mounting screws. This carbine is in amazing condition and is all original. The stock has expected dings, but is solid with no major issue. It has the Birmingham 1861 Crown Arrow W O in a circle on the stock; a properly functioning lock marked CROWN VR / 1861; inspected barrel bands and barrel; original rear site; cavalry bar and ring; an intact ramrod with swivel; and a strong crisp bore. Overall, it is in excellent condition! Shipping & Insurance Included. $1800.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
In late August, five trial P1853 Enfields were set up at Enfield with Enfield made, Lancaster patent barrels. The barrels had a minor axis of .577” and a major axis of .587” and has the standard 1:78” rifling pitch. The barrels did not have the breech relief of the Lancaster made barrels, nor did they use progressive twist rifling, so the rate of twist remained constant through the length of the bore. These five rifles were tested against Lancaster’s submissions and were found to be sorely lacking, with the Lancaster produced rifles placing 99 of 100 rounds in a reasonable group on a 300-yard target, and the Enfield produced oval bores missing the target entirely 68 times at the same distance! Amazingly, this additional confirmation only resulted in additional testing, with the Board of Ordnance’s decision-making process moving with all the speed of a receding polar ice cap! This fourth series of tests of the Lancaster system in 1853 again proved that the oval bore rifling was superior not only to the conventional 3-groove rifling employed at Enfield, but also to the Enfield made version of the oval bore. In these tests, the Enfield “oval bore” showed a tendency to “strip” after a significant amount of firing, what a modern shooter would refer to as the bore being “shot out”, with the rifling being worn beyond the point of serving its purpose. While the Lancaster made rifles did not show this tendency, it was implied that since this defect existed in the Enfield made arms, that “production quality” oval bore rifles, not produced with the same precision as Lancaster’s trial rifles, would suffer the same fate. Thus, a fifth set of tests were performed in November 1853, this time eliminating the Enfield made oval bores and once again putting the Lancaster oval bore in a head-to-head competition with the 3-groove Enfield. This last series of tests for 1853 showed that even Lancaster’s well-made guns, after a significant amount of firing, began to “strip” as the Enfield made versions had. The report noted that no visible (or even measurable) deterioration was noted, but that after repeated firing the accuracy of the guns gradually eroded. It appears that the Small Arms Committee was performing the tests with the same five trials rifles that had been supplied that summer, and it was likely at this point that thousands of rounds had been fired through the guns. Amazingly, this report resulted in a new series of tests in early 1854. This sixth test required more than 1,000 rounds to be fired from a single Lancaster oval bore rifle musket versus a standard Enfield P1853. As had been discovered in the final testing at the end of the previous year, the Lancaster system began to “strip” and the accuracy degraded over time. The reason for the failure could not be discovered, and as the oval bore system was so much more accurate than the 3-groove system when the bore was new, the supporters of Lancaster’s design lobbied for another test (the seventh) in February of 1854, with the results being the same. At this point, it appears that serious pursuit of the Lancaster rifling system by the Small Arms Committee was abandoned. However, only a year later, Lancaster’s design was adopted for limited production and issue to the Royal Engineer Corps, as the Pattern 1855 Royal Engineer’s Carbine, or more commonly as the Royal Sappers & Miners Carbine, with Lancaster’s Oval Bore. So, as we can see the oval bore concept was far from dead and still had several supporters with the small arms and ordnance communities. The Pattern 1855 Royal Engineer’s Carbine looks very much like the Pattern 1856 Enfield “Short Rifle” at first glance. The brass mounted rifle had a 31.5” round barrel, secured by two clamping barrel bands and was nominally 48” in overall length. A bayonet lug to accept a saber bayonet was mounted to the barrel, near the muzzle. Like most variants of the shorter “Enfield” pattern long arms, the lower swivel was mounted in the toe of the stock and the upper swivel was attached to the upper band. While the 1.5” difference in length between the barrels of the Royal Engineers “Sappers & Miners” carbine and the Pattern 1856 short rifle is not immediately noticeable, the mounting of the rear sight “backwards” from the conventional direction on the Lancaster guns is a quick identifying feature. Due to Lancaster’s control of the patent, he managed to be the only contractor to produce the military contract Royal Engineer’s Carbines from their adoption through November of 1858. After that time, contracts were let to the various Birmingham and London makers who could produce the gun. However, the guns were never acquired in large numbers as their issue was to a very specific and small branch of the British military. Despite the limited production for British military use, the outstanding accuracy of the Lancaster design found favor with the British “Volunteer” movement.
Offered here is a GOOD condition example of a scarce Pattern 1855 Royal Engineer’s Carbine. The gun is clearly marked on the lock, in two engraved lines: C. LANCASTER’S / PATENT. The barrel is further engraved: 151 NEW BOND ST LONDON. The barrel measures 31.75”; the top of the barrel is stamped with the usual London commercial view, proof and definitive proof marks, as well as the gauge mark 25, indicating a nominally .577 bore. The “carbine” has the correct pattern leaf rear sight that is mounted in reverse with the 1000-yard graduations on the bottom of the leaf, so they are seen by the shooter when it is lifted. The original front sight, an improved version of the standard military “block and blade” sight, is present near the muzzle. The saber bayonet lug is of the correct Pattern 1856 “Type I” pattern with a .75” key forward of the main lug. The exposed iron surface shows light pitting, but it is under a deep brown attractive patina. The lock has a slightly mottled plum brown and gray patina, with double boarder line engraving that remains clear and sharp, as does the engraved Lancaster information. The lock is mechanically excellent and functions perfectly. As noted, the original rear sight and front sight are present, as is the original bayonet lug, the original full-length ramrod and both sling swivels. Even the original screw protecting “doughnuts” are present at the ends of the tension screws for the two Palmer pattern clamping bands. All of the brass furniture from the buttplate to the nosecap has a smooth patina that matches the balance of the gun well. The stock is in about VERY GOOD condition and is made from an attractive and nicely figured piece of walnut. The stock is solid, full-length, and complete and free of any repairs, breaks, with a few hair-line cracks near the buttplate. The stock retains very good line and edges and does not appear to have been sanded. Overall, this is a very attractive, 100% complete and correct example of a commercial or “Volunteer” version of the Pattern 1855 Royal Engineer’s Carbine. These guns do not appear on the market veryoften. Shipping & Insurance included. $1600.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
|
|
) |
) |
) |
) |
F428. GALLAGER CARBINE: This Galager Carbine is one of the weapons issued to the Federal cavalry during the Civil War. Mahlon J. Gallager, a South Carolina native, developed the weapon while he resided in Savannah, Georgia in July 1860. From its factory location at 12th and Thompson St in Philadelphia, the firm produced almost 18,000 of these carbines for the Federal government from 1861 to 1865. The carbine saw extended service with Union horse soldiers during the war but the weapon was not well liked by the troopers due to the difficulty in extracting the spent cartridge casings from the breech. The carbine featured a breech loading mechanism which consisted of a lever/trigger guard combination that when pushed down, allowed the barrel to slide forward and tilt up and away from the barrel. Though Gallagher boasted that his design would facilitate the easy removal of the spent casing from the breech, this extraction action was the major defect of his weapon. In 1965, Mahlon L. Gallager modified this carbine. He adapted it to be fed with the .50/52 Spencer cartridge. This cartridge was a rimfire cartridge, and in place of the nipple on which the percussion cap was placed, he placed a massive firing pin, which, when struck by the cock, caused the gun to fire. The Spencer cartridge had a rim, which made it possible to equip the Gallager carbine with an extractor and eliminate the hassle of cartridges extraction. In 1865, the modified carbine was presented to the Ordnance Department. After the presentation, the Ordnance Department ordered the modification of 5,000 Gallager carbines with a cap lock to the new version. According to the Government Procurement of Gallager Carbines, 5,000 modified Gallager 1865 carbines were delivered to the army by the June 1865. This is one of the 5000. This specimen bears serial #23915 and features a 22¼” long round barrel, no fore-end or comb with a total length of 39½”. Fitted with a sling bar with saddle ring on the left side of the breech frame, the carbine also has a two-leaf rear sight, iron blade front sight and a slightly curved butt plate. The barrel has a deep plum-brown patina; the bore is bright with strong rifling; the ring bar and ring are present, and the gun is double cartouched, which is rarely seen. It is maker marked “GALLAGER / PATENTED JULY 17th 1860” and maker mark addressis strong. Inside the original iron patch box is one spent Gallager .50/52 Spencer cartridge casing. Shipping & Insurance included. $1400.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
“Z”
F429. CONFEDERATE CAPTURED, CLEANED & REPAIRED (C&R) PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE: This Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle is void on any viewer marks forward of the butt plate or to the real of the trigger tag, which makes this a original Union purchased Enfield. However, this gun was Confederate captured and has the letter “Z” on the underside, forward of the trigger tang, which means this gun went through the “C&R” Clean & Repair at the Richmond Arsenal/Artillery Work-shop and inspected by Lous Zimmer. The stock is complete and never sanded; the CROWN / 1861 / TOWER lock properly functions; and all steel, to include the barrel, barrel bands and ramrod, has the same dark plum-brown patina. There are no sling swivels. The bore is dark and still has rifling, and appears to still have at least one round in it; The ramrod sticks out by about two inches. Shipping & Insurance is included. $2600.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
Within the past 6 months, I located three Civil War period modified cut-down Confederate Enfield rifles.
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F430. LOUISIANA PURCHASED 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE – CONFEDERATE ARSENAL MODIFIED TO COMBAT SHOTGUN: During the Civil War, the South recovered weapons and other military items off the battlefield to be refurbished and reused. For those weapons being restored to original condition, the Clear & Repair system in Richmond was utilized. However, there was another earlier system established to convert some guns for a purpose other than originally designed. Many full-sized guns were cut-down and smoothed bored making them into shotguns to use buck & ball ammunition. Buck and ball was a common load use by Confederates and consisted of a large caliber lead musket ball combined with three to six buckshot pellets. This was not a post-war conversion, but done early in the war. This Enfield is one of the rare ones purchased for the State of Louisiana. These did not have serial numbers, but were stamped with a six-point star with a circle L in the center. The mark is found on the underside of the stock to the rear of the trigger guard. The stock on this gun, as well as the others, is cut back to the first band. The barrel is reduced to 30 1/4 inches and smooth bored, and the rear site was removed and a notch was cut for a front site. There is no rear swivel, and the lock is marked with a Crown and 1861 over TOWER and properly function. A Louisiana surcharged Enfield is rare in any condition; however, this is reasonable priced compared to a full-sized example. Shipping & Insurance is included. $2200.00
******************************************************************************************************************************) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F431. CONFEDERATE – TRIPLE (OVAL-SHC) MARKED PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE: This is a Triple Oval SHC marked Confederate Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle. The Oval SHC viewer mark is believed to be the last used by Sinclair Hamilton & Company and appears on gun with a CROWN / 1862 / TOWER lock. The marks are found forward of the butt plate tang, the flat side opposite the lock, and on the stock above the top barrel band. The top mark is the hardest to find since soldiers often placed their hand in this area. There is a fourth place to look for this mark, and that is on the barrel, but that mark is extremely rare and to date, I have not found a 4-marked Oval SHC example. The Enfield is in untouched original condition and properly functions. There is some missing wood as a result of a knot in the walnut stock, which is original. This would never be found on a British Government inspected rifle, but since these guns were being sent to the South, it did not matter and shows they where just making guns as quickly as possible to meet the need. Shipping & Insurance included. $3500.00 ******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
|
|
|
|
) |
) |
) |
) |
F432. CONFEDERATE PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE: This is a double marked Crown SHG1 Confederate Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle. The Crown SHG1 is a viewer mark believed to be used by Sinclair Hamilton & Company, and not often seen. On the stock forward of the butt plate tang is stamped K 3, which most likely is a unit designation. The stock shows normal dings and wear, but overall is in great condition. The lock is marked CROWN / 1862 / TOWER and properly functions, and hold both half and full cock. The nipple is original. The barrel has strong rifling, but is bright from being cleaned. However, the barrel bands, which are all marked with the number 5, have a brown patina. The ramrod is original as well as both sling swivels. Shipping & Insurance included. $2400.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F433. 1861 – COLT M1850 NAVAL REVOLVER: This is a Colt M1850 Naval Revolver produced in 1861. The gun is complete with all original parts and matching serial number 104103. Colt production in 1861 as 1851 NAVY (.36 CALIBER WITH NAVAL ENGAGEMENT ON CYLINDER, OCTAGONAL BARREL). The colt address is legible on the barrel top as is the serial number on the cylinder; but the cylinder scene is weak. The action is tight and holds in both half & full cock. The grips are original and tight. This is a very desirable early Civil War revolver. Shipping & Insurance included. $2100.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
|
|
) |
) |
) |
) |
“Z”
F434. US M-1855 RIFLE MUSKET – CONFEDERATE CAPTURED “Z” MARKED CLEANED & REPAIRED: This is a VERY FINE to NEAR MINT condition example of the US M-1855 Rifle Musket, produced at the US national armory at Springfield, MA. It was the first reduced caliber infantry long arm to be adopted for universal issue, being only .58 caliber, while all previous issue muskets had been .69 caliber. The M-1855 incorporated the Maynard automatic tape priming mechanism. The US M-1855 Rifle Musket saw significant use during the American Civil War, as it was the most advanced US made rifle musket in production when hostilities broke out. This gun was Confederate captured and has the letter “Z” on the underside, forward of the trigger tang, which means this gun went through the “C&R” Clean & Repair at the Richmond Arsenal/Artillery Work-shop and inspected by Lous Zimmer. The lock is Springfield marked and dated 1858, but the barrel is dated 1859. This could be a factory error or the barrel was replaced during the “C&R” process. The stock is in fine to excellent condition, the bore has strong rifling, the lock properly function, and the rear site is complete. Shipping & Insurance included. $3700.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F435. OHIO ID’ED & CARRIED CONTRACT RIFLE, CARTRIDGE BOX, BELT, CAP BOX AND BAYONET: This grouping was acquired from a direct descendant of Private John P. Johnson. He served in the 177th and the 180th Ohio Volunteers.
The177th Ohio Volunteers Regiment was organized at Camp Cleveland, Ohio; mustered in October 9, 1864; Ordered to Nashville, Tenn.; thence to Tullahoma, Tenn., and garrison duty there under General Milroy till November 30. Ordered to Murfreesboro, Tenn., November 30, arriving there December 2. Attached to Defences Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, Dept. of the Cumberland, to January, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, and Dept. of North Carolina, to June, 1865. It’s service includes the Siege of Murfreesboro December 5-12, 1864. Wilkinson's Pike, near Murfreesboro, December 7. Near Murfreesboro December 13-14. Ordered to Clifton, Tenn., and duty there till January 16, 1865. Movement to Washington, D. C., thence to Fort Fisher, N. C., January 16-February 7. Operations against Hoke February 11-14. Near Sugar Leaf Battery February 11. Fort Anderson February 18-19. Town Creek February 19-20. Capture of Wilmington February 22. Campaign of the Carolinas March 1-April 26. Advance on Goldsboro March 6-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at Raleigh and Greensboro till June. Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C., June 24, and discharged July 7,1865. The 180th Ohio Volunteers Regiment was organized at Camp Chase September-October, 1864. Left State for Nashville, Tenn., October 15. Attached to 3rd Brigade, Defences of Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, Dept. of the Cumberland, to January, 1865. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, and Dept. of North Carolina, to July, 1865. It’s service includes the moved from Nashville to Decherd, Tenn., October, 1864, and guard duty on line of the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, Right Wing at Decherd, Left Wing at Elk River Bridge, till January, 1863. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., January 6; thence moved as Train Guard to Columbia, Tenn., January 10. Return to Nashville and movement to Washington, D. C.; thence to North Carolina January 16-February 25. Campaign of the Carolinas March 1-April 26. Advance on Kinston and Goldsboro March 6-21. Battle of Wise's Forks March 8-10. Occupation of Kinston March 14. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at Raleigh, Greensboro and Charlotte, N. C., till July. Mustered out July 12, 1865.
The 180th Ohio Volunteers Regiment was organized at Camp Chase September-October, 1864. Left State for Nashville, Tenn., October 15. Attached to 3rd Brigade, Defences of Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, Dept. of the Cumberland, to January, 1865. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, and Dept. of North Carolina, to July, 1865. It’s service includes the moved from Nashville to Decherd, Tenn., October, 1864, and guard duty on line of the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, Right Wing at Decherd, Left Wing at Elk River Bridge, till January, 1863. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., January 6; thence moved as Train Guard to Columbia, Tenn., January 10. Return to Nashville and movement to Washington, D. C.; thence to North Carolina January 16-February 25. Campaign of the Carolinas March 1-April 26. Advance on Kinston and Goldsboro March 6-21. Battle of Wise's Forks March 8-10. Occupation of Kinston March 14. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at Raleigh, Greensboro and Charlotte, N. C., till July. Mustered out July 12, 1865.
Private John P. Johnson’s mustersheets places him predominantly with the 180th Ohio Regiment, but there is one pages placing him with the 177th. His initials J. P. J. are carved into the flat side of the rifle stock opposite the lock; on the cartridge box outer flap, and the cap box. The contract rifle is marked 1864 / EAGLE over U.S. / PARKER, SNOW COMPANY OF MERIDEN, CONN. Rifle comes complete with its three original barrel bands, hammer, bolster, lock plate and screws, rear / front sight, both swivels and its swelled shank ramrod. All screws very good and not buggered up and the butt plate is stamped “US”. There is a faint ghost image of rifling, but is now smooth bored. The early Cartridge box has its original brass plate and the two tin inserts, and the sling has its original brass plate as well, but the leather is damaged on the bottle where the sling would attach. Inside I found the original retainer flap retainer strap, the buckle for the sling, a length of twine and a gun tool. On the outer flap, lower right-hand side, Private Johnson carved his initial J. P. J. The belt is complete and has the original puppy paw oval U.S. brass plate, a cap box and the bayonet frog. The initials J. P. J. are on the outer flap of the cap box. The Cartridge box, belt, cap box, and bayonet sheath all have seen better days, but are part of the group. Included is a a folder with copies of Private John P. Johnson’s muster sheets and pension file. Shipping & Insurance included. $3900.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F436. CONFEDERATE PATTERN ENFIELD RIFLE – UNION CAPTURED & ISSUED TWO SOLDIERS: OHIO & INDIANA. This is a Confederate import 3-band Model 1853 Enfield rifle, which was captured and reissued to two Union soldiers. The gun is in amazing condition and 100% original and complete with matching patina on all metal parts, and matching assembly hash-marks / \ \ on the barrel; barrel retention screw; all barrel bands; the lock and its two retention screws. The lock plate is marked Tower and dated 1862. A CROWN SH/G3 is double stamped by the trigger guard tang.
There are five mother-of-pearlinlays in the stock. On the flat side there is a Heart, Crescent Moon, and a Birch Tree Leaf, and on the lock-plate side a small Shield and a Heart. The Shield represents the Union Army XXIII Corps, the Crescent Moon signifies the Union Army XI Corps, and the Heart is for the Union Army XXIV Corps. The Birch Tree Leaf comes from the “River Birch” tree which is common and found mostly in the western half and south/central Indiana.
This Enfield rifle, upon itscaptured from the Confederates, must have been issued to Private Lozier to replace his obsolete Austrian rifle. His name John S Lozier was stamped on the barrel and his initials J.S.L were imprinted on the stock. He would have carried this gun until February 10, 1864 when turned in upon being Mustered Out.
On theunderside of the gun and forward of the trigger guard is carved “C W INGE” with the name “INGERSOLL” scratched into the trigger guard. These marks are most likely period to the war, but the Mother-of-Pearl inlays were probably added post-war to document Ingersoll’s war time service in both the 86th & 51st Indiana Infantry Regiments, which served under various Union Army Corps: XI Corps, XXII Corps and the XXIV Corps.
The gun is amazing condition; is fully functional; has a plum-brown matching patina on all steel, retains both original sling swivels, and strong rifling. A binder with historical information as well as a complete set of muster sheets and pension files for both soldiers accompanies the rifle. Shipping & Insurance included. $5600.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
****************************************************************
Remittance by Mail
Send to:
Arizona Swords
530 E. McDowell Road, Suite 107-160
Phoenix, AZ 85004
****************************************************************
Contact Number: (602) 245-4721
© 2004 Arizona Swords azswords.com. All rights reserved in all media.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
