N.S. Militia Enfield
- Licensing Category: Antique
- Maker: Enfield
- Model:
- Caliber/Gauge:
- Description:
We are pleased to offer a very scrace if not rare 1853 pattern percussion Enfield. This rifle is one of the rifles as issued to the N.S. Militia in 1861. This example is marked on the butt plate tang N.S. over issue #260. This rifle remains in excellent plus condition . The barrel shows clear markings and 97% bright original blue. Only the area surrounding the nipple shows light corrosion. The 577 caliber bore remains in bright excellent plus condition. The stock shows its' original condition with sharp clear markings. The right side of the butt shows the WD broad arrow mark that is deeply struck adjoining is the class 1 mark. The underside shows the clear inspector marks. The right side panel shows the E. Dixon mark. The lock shows the crown VR and date 1856 over Tower mark.The stock bands show clear inspector marks and the original blue/brown finish. This piece shows it's original ram rod with matching number 2680. The rarity factor of the N.S. militia 1853, as per the information in "Defending the Dominon", by David Edgecomb must be considered. The vast majority of these Enfield's were on loan to the provinces by the Imperial Government.(Including the provincial government marked rifles). The vast majority of these weapons were returned to England for conversion to Snider configeration. See various references pages 19 to 26, of the aforesaid reference. The author noted" that Enfield weapons marked as Canadian issue must be deemed to be very rare." bottom line on page 26 aforesaid. A further rarity factor is the number of Nova Scotia Militia marked Brown Bess muskets that have appeared on the market. As a licensed dealer since 1963 we have collected, sold and or traded well over 300 flint or percussion converted Besses. In the same period of time we probably have handled less than a dozen pattern 1853 Enfield with N.S. Militia markings.This item was acquired by us approximately 20 years ago. At a later date we sold the same. We are now reselling this excellent Enfield on behalf of its current owner. This Enfield came with an original bayonet. This piece shows a E crown 25 proof . A bright excellent plus blade and original blued socket. The scabbard shows excellent leather and stiching WD and a Canadian militia marked brass locket. An overall excellent and rare example of a NS/Canadian issued pattern 1853 Enfield.
