Description:A Birmingham made 'third model' pattern P.53 percussion, rifle-musket.
This model was manufactured between 1858 and 1863 by a large number of Birmingham and London contractors as well as the Royal small arms factory at Enfield and the London armoury company of Bermondsey. These guns formed the bulk of the P.53 arms sold to both sides in the American Civil War as well as being standard issue for the British army.
The 'third model P.53' is distinguished by a straight, thick bodied, jag-headed ramrod and the screw clamping of the three barrel bands. The brass fore-end cap is riveted, which is unusual, and a fairly wide ramrod channel in the fore-end has a Burton's spoon-spring to retain the ramrod. The overall length is 55 inches, with barrel length at 39 inches. The rifle has a calibre of 0.577 inches, rifled with three grooves of progressive depth - 0.015 inches at the breech diminishing to 0.005 inches at the muzzle. The rifle takes a triangular section socket bayonet.
This specimen has been dated to 1863 and is all correct and original, including nipple protector and chain, which were items commonly lost. The backsight is sighted to yards. There are Birmingham proof marks on the barrel and on examination there are no war department (WD over broad arrow) or storekeeper's marks on the stock, or inspector's marks on the metal parts. The rough finished lock does not have the usual maker's name on the inside and on removing the lock, the inletting of the lock recess looks clean with no sign of oil staining on the wood. It is possible that this weapon was new and unissued, however, the slots of the screw-heads inside the lock are quite damaged, as if from much use, while in contrast the external screw-heads are pristine. This gun was probably produced in Birmingham for sale in America, 1863.