British Pattern 1859 3 Band Musket (2nd model Indian .656” Musket). Sn - 21393:29 British Pattern 1859 3 Band Musket (2nd model Indian .656” Musket). Sn - 21393:29 Single Shot .65 Rifles

This is a nice example of a British Pattern 1859 musket also referred to as the 2nd model Indian Musket which was approved for service on the 7th May, 1859. This pattern was approved at Enfield after the Indian Mutiny, when the P1853 rifles issued to Indian soldiers were converted into muskets, in order to put them at a disadvantage if they ever fought British troops, again. The effective range with the musket was reduced from 500 yards to 50 yards. The musket differs externally from the Pattern 1853 rifle, in that the rear sight is a simple V with no provision for adjustment and a block triangular foresight. The musket was originally approved as the pattern 1858 musket with a bore of .700” but with the thinness of the barrel. With this, the pattern 1859 was approved with a reduced bore of .656” to correct the defect. The lock plate is stamped with the Queens crown and ENFIELD together with an inspection mark. The stock has a nicely stamped roundel with a crown over RM II with an inverted crowfoot and ENFIELD. The left hand side of the stock opposite the lock plate is stamped with a crown over E5. The top of the barrel carries inspection marks of a crowfoot, a crown over 61 and a crown over a crowfoot. The tang of the butt plate carries an inspection mark of a crown with a crowfoot. The barrel is shiny and smooth with a few staining marks. The muskets barrel retains much of its original blued finish including the barrel bands. The original walnut stock has minor mumps and bruises through service. The musket has brass butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap together with both sling swivels. See Section A, Muzzle Loading Arms on page 8, item RB 44 in Catalogue of the Enfield Pattern Room, British Rifles, published by Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique obsolete calibre rifle and no licence is required to own this musket in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 21393:29