Description
One of the first batches to arrive into the Confederacy in 1861, this beautiful example turned up in an estate sale in Macon, Georgia, over forty years ago. It is a classic example of the Pattern 1856 Type I infantry rifle as exported from England via the blockade to the Confederacy in early 1861. The Sinclair, Hamilton and Company agent marks are deeply and clearly struck giving it a 100% assurance of being purchased by the South.
The overall condition is very good and there are no replaced or missing parts. The only defect is the old break at the wrist, as shown, which is solid–the crack narrows when pressed down, but I wanted you to see the damage clearly. Mechanically, the weapon functions as new and the bore is far above average.
The infantry pattern rifles were all iron mounted, unlike the Pattern 1853 rifled muskets which were brass. There are examples of brass mounted ones but they are classified as Navy weapons.
This is a difficult rifle to find–only a fraction of the weapons imported were the two banded variations. Most were the far more common Pattern 1853 three-banders. Rifles tended to get issued to flankers and skirmishers as well as non commissioned officers. This example is a standard .577 caliber (noted as designated 25-25 at the breech) and takes the same cartridges as the longer barrel P53 models. The rifles were well known for their accuracy and reliability.
If you are seeking a true Confederate infantry arm that most likely saw the elephant many times and you want one that was THERE from the beginning in 1861, you have found it. As with most all, the barrel is fitted with a stud for a sword bayonet.
