Description
English manufactured Tower Enfield Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle dated 1861, caliber .577. This is a standard configuration which has a brass butt plate and triggerguard (in the arsenal finished bright, NOT polished); heavy barrel with 1,100 yard rear sight; walnut Sap wood stock; and a very small BSAT (Birmingham Small Arms Trade) stamp on the belly of stock behind the trigger guard. The upper barrel band is of the P58 Army “bar on band” rifle type. The consensus of advanced collectors is that this apparent mix of Pattern parts was a way for the many contractors to utilize parts on hand to complete their orders to the United States. Both Northern and Southern purchasers were putting pressure on the British contractors to complete their orders quickly. The 1861 date on the lock plate indicates that this gun was one of the first orders delivered to the United or Confederate states in 1861.
The condition is “as new” and cannot be upgraded. The barrel still retains the original arsenal blueing which has slightly turned to a very mellow plum color. Museum and investment worthy in all respects and there simply are very, very few any nicer!
