Make: London Armoury Company

Model: Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket, Type III

Serial Number: Not Visible

Year of Manufacture: 1862

Caliber: .577

Action Type: Single Shot Percussion Rifle-Musket

Barrel Length: 39"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular post fixed at the muzzle. The rear sight is a notch fixed to the barrel. The sights have been replaced.

Stock Configuration & Condition/Grip: The walnut stock features a brass nosecap, three barrel bands, straight wrist, straight comb and brass buttplate. The wood shows honest service wear with scattered nicks, compressions and surface scratches consistent with age. Wood-to-metal fit remains solid though shy at the buttplate. There are minor handling marks and small edge wear in high-contact areas. No Confederate contract marking is present on the buttplate tang. Overall, the stock rates in Good condition for an Antique.

Type of Finish: Bright Barrel, Casehardened Lock (Originally)

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with visible rifling and age-consistent wear. There is moderate erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: The metal surfaces have developed a smooth, even gray patina with scattered light oxidation and handling wear. The lock is clearly marked “1862 / L.A. Co.” and the opposite side shows the Crown over “V.R.” British inspection stamp. Commercial Birmingham proofs are present on the barrel. There is mild to heavy erosion on the hammer and around the chamber end of the barrel around the nipple. The nipple has been replaced. Edges remain defined and hardware appears correct to pattern. Screw heads range from sharp to lightly worn with usable slots. Overall, the musket rates in Good condition for an Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and holds securely at half and full cock. The percussion system operates as designed. We have not fired this musket. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork and Accessories: A ramrod is included with the musket.

Our Assessment: The London Armoury Company was among the most respected British manufacturers of the Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-musket during the American Civil War era. Founded in 1856, the firm quickly became known for producing high-quality arms for both government and commercial markets. By 1862, the American conflict had become one of the largest foreign markets for British arms manufacturers, with Enfields flowing across the Atlantic in enormous numbers.

The Pattern 1853, Type III, chambered in .577 caliber, represented one of the most influential infantry arms of the 19th century. Firing the Minié projectile through a 39-inch rifled barrel, it offered superior range and accuracy compared to earlier smoothbore muskets. London Armoury Company rifles were used by various military and commercial purchasers during the war, and examples dated 1862 fall squarely within the most active period of production.

This specimen retains correct L.A. Co. lock markings, British Crown inspection stamp, and proper configuration. Its even patina and honest mid-19th century character give it the presence collectors expect from a Civil War-era Enfield. Whether acquired for its historical significance or as an example of British industrial arms production during one of America’s most pivotal years, this rifle represents a solid and historically grounded antique Enfield.