The London Firm of John Edward Barnett & Sons has been nicknamed the “Gun Marker to the Confederacy” by many historians and is rightly deserved. Barnett delivered thousands of  British military pattern arms to the confederacy over the course of the American Civil War. Not only did they sell to the central confederate government, but also to the states of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and to many of the private confederate buyers. One of the many patterns sold by Barnett was the .577 Cal. Pattern 1853 “Enfield” Rifled Musket. The P-1853 was the 2nd most used long arm during the American Civil War by troops on both sides. It weighed around 9lbs, barrel measured 39” with a 1:78 rifling twist, graduated rear sight from 100 to 900 yards, fired a .577 caliber bullet and had an effective range of 600 yds and a maximum range of 900-1000 yds.
The example we have to offer is a near mint condition Barnett Pattern 1853 .577 Enfield Rifled Musket, in absolute gorgeous condition. The gun is in complete original condition, has a tight working action, a clean and clear bore with very good rifling. The guns  lock plate is clearly marked with a Crown motif over “TOWER” position at the rear of the hammer and  “BARNETT LONDON” in two lines forward of the hammer. Has the initials “J.B” stamped on the reverse of the hammer just below the spur, initials “W.W”, for Walter Watson, on the flat of the stock on the left side opposite of the lock plate. Walter Watson was employed by several gun makers in England, one being Barnett, and eventually worked his way up to become an inspector. By 1863 Watson was sent from England over to Fayetteville North Carolina to help with the operations at the Confederate Arsenal located there. Watson remained at the Arsenal until its capture by Union forces in March of 1865, and afterwards, remained in Fayetteville until his death in 1918 and is buried there in the Cross Creek Cemetery. The ramrod is marked “T&CG” for Thomas & Charles Gilbert, who are noted as supplying parts for rifles to the firm of Barnett. A wonderful opportunity to purchase an outstanding piece of Original Civil War history.