The .58 CAL. 1861 Enfield Rifle was manufactured by Birmingham Small Arms who started in 1861. It was the second most widely used weapon of the Civil War. American soldiers liked it because its .577 cal. barrel allowed the use of .58 cal. ammunition which was used by both Union and Confederate armies. Originally produced at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield, England, approximately 900,000 of these muskets were imported during 1861-1865. This one shows the Birmingham Small Arms Cartouche on the stock. The English Enfield muskets were developed for the British military and were generally thought to be superior to American made muskets of the period. Many were exported, and a number of American military units, both north and south used them. Many were smuggled through the blockade to southern ports during the war. Featuring brass butt-plate, contoured shaped hammer, fixed bolster, long range sight with single leaf and sliding scale, brass trigger guard, three rounded barrel bands held in place with screws, two strap hooks. The ramrod with straight shank and wiper slot and threaded end. Lock is marked with a crown behind the hammer, and "1861 / ENFIELD" in front. Barrel is marked with 24 and a variety of British proof marks. Mechanics fully functional. Round barrel length 39 in. with a bright clean unfired rifling.
