Description
This is a superb example of the P56 blockade run English Tower Enfield Pattern 1856 iron mounted infantry rifle as issued to Confederate skirmishers and flankers. Chambered in .577 as it’s brother, the P53, this weapon is a bit shorter and lighter but just as powerful. The rifles are much more difficult to find than the more common rifled muskets. The barrel is fitted with a stud for a sword bayonet, as correct for the pattern.
This old war horse has seen it all–and ended up in the top of an dilapidated barn deep in the Valley, found when the building was being torn down for the wooden beams and posts. It like has an incredible story! Mechanically, it functions perfectly and even retains its original ramrod. The entire surface of anything metal is a deep brown gray patina, mottled with pitting from exposure to the elements. It is an AMAZING find!
The stock has clear Confederate importer stamps of Sinclair Hamilton and Company, validating it is a pure CONFEDERATE gun. It appears to be dated 1862 but the pitting makes it difficult to read clearly–and it’s just too nice to try to clean up to read more. This is a COMBAT weapon and as Southern as they come.
