4278 BRITISH IMPORT M1861 ENFIELD RIFLE WITH PROBABLE

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 11 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 500.00 USD
Estimated at 1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
NATIVE AMERICAN USAGE. Cal. .577. NSN. Bbl. 39 1/4". This represents one of the most interesting British Enfield rifles that we have offered at auction. It is of classic M1861 form and was likely imported to this country for use during the American Civil War by either Union or Confederate forces. It would appear that during a pitched battle the rifle was broken at the wrist. It was likely scooped up by a Native American, possibly Cherokee, and brought back to his village where it received a wrist repair and brass tack decoration. Thus, a useless weapon was salvaged and saw many more years of service with Native Americans. The gun, itself, has a round bbl with a lug sight near the muzzle and a folding elevation sight near the breech. British proofs can be seen on the left side of the bbl opposite the nipple. The lockplate is marked "1861 TOWER" under the nipple and shows a crown behind the hammer. Brass trigger guard, buttplate, and nosecap. Iron bbl bands and original ramrod. The forestock has 4 brass tacks on each side, in front of the lockplate. The right cheek of the buttstock has a circle of 9 tacks, which likely represent the 9 districts of the Cherokee Nation. There is another single tack at the center of the circle likely representing the single nation born of the 9 districts. The wrist shows a glue and tightly laced shrunken rawhide repair. CONDITION: iron parts generally have a dark oxidized finish. Nipple is broken. Hammer is likely a replacement. The lock holds only one cocking position. Stock shows moderate overall wear and, as stated, there is a repaired break at the wrist. (01-26212/BF). ANTIQUE. $1,000-2,000.