mystery rifle

[MikeWW]

http://s1036.photobucket.com/albums/a446/1973Slash5/muzzle loader/

Found this rifle at a garage sale for $20. Someone had made a lamp out of it. Anyway just curious if anyone may recognize what it is. I can not find any markings on it. The barrel is 38" long with a bore of 5/8". The entire gun is 55" long.
Thanks

 

[hoochiepapa]

I have no idea, but it looks in good shape, and welcome to the forum.

 

It looks like a non-firing wall hanger.

 

[rabjr]

Looks like one of the many Brit Enfields used in our Civil war.
http://www.hackman-adams.com/guns/enfield.htm

 

[Stumpkiller]

Pattern 1853 Enfield? (aka "3-Band Enfield")

 

[vtbuck223]

I've got a decent lamp...I will be happy to trade with you For $20 it is a very nice find.

 

[Tumblernotch]

Pattern 53/3 Enfield rifle-musket. There should be markings on the lockplate and the barrel. Typical lock marking for most is TOWER or ENFIELD and a date in front of the hammer and a crown behind. Some are also marked London Armoury in front of the hammer. There are a few others floating around with other maker's names such as Barnett. It looks as though rust and crud have obscured whatever is on yours. On the left side of the barrel at the breech there should be some proof marks and the number 25 stamped in. This is the gauge number (caliber). There should also be assembly marks inside the lock.

If this a rifle made in Birmingham by one of the BSA makers, this is a handmade gun and will bear marks of the various workmen such as stockers, lock filers, &c. The Enfield and London Armoury rifles were machine made.

I don't believe that we're supposed to give estimates on what a gun is worth on here, but I can say that it's worth many times more than what you paid for it if it's an original. By the way, don't be aggressive in cleaning it. If you go to scrubbing real hard or sanding it and such you will ruin its value as a collectible. I only dream of finding something like this at a yard sale. And believe me, I have looked hard!
:thumbsup:

 

[MikeWW]

Thanks to all who replied.
This is an interesting gun
Mike

 

[Mickc01]

Some people have ALL the luck. Congrats on a great find! :hatsoff:

 

[Many Klatch]

If you plan to shoot it make sure you pull the barrel and look it over real good. A gunsmith friend of mine was given a Golden Age flintlock that apparently had been used for a lamp. When he pulled the barrel he found that someone had drilled a 3/8" hole in the bottom of the barrel near the breech to run the electrical cord through. Then after they took the lamp apart they plugged the wood so you couldn't see the hole in the wood.

Needless to say, if he had loaded it and shot it, he would have lost a hand.

Many Klatch

 

[MikeWW]

:shake:
Thanks for the warning. But i have no intention of firing this thing. Unfortunately there is a hole drilled into the top of the barrel. A real shame someone would actually do this to such an old gun. Go figure?

 

[Tumblernotch]

Mike I sent you a PM.