This is a Pattern 1856 Short rifle imported from England for use during the Civil War. The P56 short rifle is the most common short rifle encountered. The weapon had an overall length of 49" and a barrel length of 33". The barrel was rifled with three lands and grooves and had a long range rear sight graduated out to 1100 yards. These rifles used a sword bayonet, and had a bayonet lug with extended key mounted on the right side of the barrel. Sling swivels were attached to the front barrel band and to the extended trigger guard tang. The barrel and barrel bands were blued. The lock, butt plate, trigger guard, lock escutcheons and nose cap were case colored. The ramrod had a bright finish. A commercial variation of the P56 short rifle was also produced. They differ from the iron mounted rifles in the following areas: the bayonet lug was of the short type without the extended key, the trigger guard does not have the extended tang, the rear sling swivel screws directly into the stock. The butt plate, trigger guard and nose cap were all brass pieces. This Pattern 1856 Short Rifle is of the military variation. It measures 49 1/4" overall, and has a barrel length of 33 3/16". The bore is dark but is not rusted or extremely pitted with visible rifling showing. The exterior of the barrel has a dark plum patina with just a hint of bright finish showing here and there and shows very minimal pitting. The long range rear sight is still reporting for duty. It is graduated out to 1100 yards, and is stamped W&S on the right ramp below and between the 300 and 400 yard marks. This could be the stamp for Ward & Sons of Birmingham, England, known for manufacturing short rifles. The block type front sight is still reporting for duty. A keyless, short type bayonet lug is securely attached to the right side of the barrel. The lug itself shows wear and has two sets of numbers stamped into it, 19 and 51. Birmingham proof marks are very legible on the left side barrel flat at the breech. This rifle was chambered in .58 caliber. Both barrel bands are present, as well as both sling swivels. The lock plate and hammer have a patina that matches the barrel. The lock is stamped with a crown behind the hammer and 1861/TOWER forward of the hammer. The mechanics of the lock function normally, holding in the half and full cock positions. The nose cap, trigger guard and butt plate have a matching dark patina. The ramrod is present and stamped T&CG for Thomas and Charles Goodman. The walnut stock is in good condition. There is a shallow age crack extending forward of the trigger guard approximately 2 1/2" long. Just in front of the trigger guard the name W.JONES is stamped, probably a stock maker of setter up person, I don't believe it is a soldiers name. The barrel and ramrod channels are very crisp and show no wood loss. This Pattern 1856 Enfield short rifle is in overall good condition. It will make a nice addition to your import civil war arms collection.

Item # AA3428

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