Description
This is a BEAUTIFUL example of the craft of a very rare premiere maker who is known to have supplied fine grade weapons to the South in 1861 and 1862. Made by Thomas Wilson, this exceptional rifled musket is chambered in .577 caliber and exhibits 97+% overall finish. There are NO traditional English government proof marks other than the bore size present (crown, VR, etc.) as it clearly was manufactured for export).
It is mechanically crisp with a mint bore and the oiled walnut stock was clearly hand selected for top end quality. It has hand checkering and hand engraving as well and is one of the finest examples of a “Tower Enfield” known to exist. The engraved brass trigger guard has an unusual recurve which allows a far more stable platform for precise shooting. Likewise, the hammer has a graceful flair not seen on standard grade weapons of the era.
Wilson is noted on pages 186-189 of “The English Connection” by Prichard and Huey as being a known supplier of exotic grade weapons to the Confederacy. This is the ONLY example known at this time by this particular maker of this pattern of weapon, and it well may be unique. It also retains the original chain and nipple protector. This is a beyond rare and pristine museum and investment grade weapon overall and worthy of placement in any fine collection!
