QUALITY MAKER**C1860 Victorian British Officer’s Private Purchase Wilkinson London (Later Wilkinson Sword) Enfield 1853 Pattern .577 Regulation Calibre Percussion Rifle With Enfield 3 Groove Rifling & Original Ram Rod. Sn 21371 Single Shot .577 Rifles

**QUALITY MAKER**C1860 Victorian British Officer’s Private Purchase Wilkinson London (Later Wilkinson Sword) Enfield 1853 Pattern .577 Regulation Calibre Percussion Rifle With Enfield 3 Groove Rifling & Original Ram Rod. Sn 21371 - 21371

A fine .577 two band volunteer rifle by Wilkinson c.1860. The 33in hook-breech barrel has a clear shiny bore with typical Enfield 3 groove rifling. This exceptionally well preserved personalised rifle is chequered at the wrist and fore end, has an extended trigger guard with a sporting grip and a neat "bar-in-wood" style lock plate engraved "WILKINSON LONDON". There is also a bayonet lug and a circular sprung patch box. The lock functions perfectly. The ramrod is original and kept in place by an unusual spring loaded device concealed in the fore end. The Wilkinson 5 groove design of rifling for the prospective 1853 Pattern service rifle was shortlisted for trial along with Enfield 3 groove rifling and Lancaster's oval bore. Ultimately the 3 groove design was chosen which accounts for the rifling to be found in this excellent example. Wilkinson (from 1891 "Wikinson Sword") was originally founded in 1772 by Henry Nock - famous for his naval volley gun - who died in 1804 leaving his company to his foreman and son-in-law James Wilkinson, renamed "James Wilkinson and Son" by his son Henry when he took over in 1824. Henry rapidly grew the business after relocating to Pall Mall, later becoming Queen Victoria's appointed sword and gun maker. It has all original walnut stock with chequered panel wrist and fore stock in excellent condition & Iron fittings. The wrist has an inlaid brass escutcheon. It has original ladder rear sight & block and blade fore sight. It has a heavy military hammer. The metal work has even patina. Total length is 48 ¾”. The cocking & firing actions work crisply. The price for this quality private purchase rifle includes UK delivery. NB This is an antique percussion rifle and no licence is required to own it in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn

£1,675.00