This third type Pattern 1853 577 caliber percussion rifle musket was manufactured in 1862 by the Birmingham Small Arms Trade. Based on information in “The English Connection” by Russ A. Pritchard, Jr. and C.A. Huey, this is a Confederate Enfield rifle musket. The 39″ barrel has a fair worn bore with no signs of remaining rifling. The barrel has Birmingham proofs and the 25 bore stamps (577 caliber). All the metal has a brown patina with areas of slight roughness and light firing pitting in the bolster area. The lock is marked 1862 over TOWER at the middle and is stamped with a crown at the tail. The brass furniture exhibit an even age patina. The stock is very good with issue dents and dings and an old age crack extending about 3″ forward of the front lock screw. The ramrod, swivels, and nipple chain and protector are present. There is a JC cartouche within an oval on the rear left stock flat that has dents over it. The only other stock marking is at the buttplate tang. It is a crown over a block SH over G3. Pritchard and Huey (pps 116, 117) attribute these, when found in conjunction with each other, as marks placed by unidentified Confederate viewers. The action functions correctly. This above average Confederate rifle musket is ready for your collection.