This attractive Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket is an early Confederate-imported example bearing the highly desirable JS/Anchor inspection mark, one of the most recognized Confederate acceptance markings found on British arms purchased for Southern service during the Civil War. Chambered in .577 caliber, the musket displays a well-preserved appearance with strong eye appeal and unmistakable evidence of wartime use.  

The steel components have developed a deep, even dark brown patina, while the brass buttplate, trigger guard, and nose cap have aged to a pleasing brownish-gold patina with traces of mustard-yellow highlights visible in protected areas. The lock plate is marked 1863 TOWER beneath the bolster, with the British crown inspection mark stamped behind the hammer.  

The left side of the barrel at the breech is stamped twice with the number 25, alternating with three British proof marks, with the numerals appearing inverted. The lock remains in full working order, holding securely at both half-cock and full-cock positions.  

The musket retains its original slotted ramrod and rear sling swivel. The front sling swivel is absent. The rear sight base remains intact, although the ladder portion of the sight is missing. The rifling is still visible within the bore but shows substantial wear from extensive military service.  

Condition issues include several vice marks on the left side of the barrel beneath the rear sight, a small crack extending from the rear lock plate screw, and a small rectangular area of wood loss on the left side of the stock wrist. An inscription is present on the left side of the stock between the lock plate screws that appears to read “Drew?” The right side of the buttstock bears a circular Birmingham Small Arms Trade stamp surrounding a crown over the letters BSAT.  

Confederate JS/Anchor-marked Enfields remain among the most sought-after long arms of the Civil War era, and this example combines desirable Confederate inspection markings, honest battlefield wear, and strong overall presentation. It represents a fine surviving example of the arms imported by the Confederacy during the height of the conflict. 

Inventory Number: RIF 367
 

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The Holy Grail of Muskets – This specific example ended up in the hands of both sides of the Conflict!

An outstanding and highly desirable Civil War-era U.S. Model 1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket bearing a Confederate capture and collection mark. This rifle-musket is stamped with the distinctive Richmond Arsenal “Z” mark, indicating Confederate capture, inspection, and subsequent service. Arms with documented Confederate capture markings are among the most sought-after of all Civil War military firearms.

The barrel bands, band springs, nose cap, and ramrod exhibit a pleasing dark brown patina, while the remaining metal surfaces have aged to a smooth dark gray tone accented by scattered darker patina areas. The left barrel flat at the breech is stamped with the federal eagle head proof and the letters “V” and “P” for viewed and proofed inspection.

The lock plate is marked with the federal eagle and U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, and is dated 1861 at the rear. The musket retains its correct 1855/1861 pattern ramrod with the characteristic tulip-shaped swell, and both original sling swivels remain intact.

Evidence of wartime service is visible in the form of light percussion cap erosion at the breech area. A slight gap is present between the rear sight base and the barrel; however, the sight remains secure and shows no movement. The buttplate tang is clearly stamped “U.S.” Only the rear two barrel bands bear the letter “U” inspection marks.

The stock remains in excellent condition with strong original contours and an attractive surface. Wear is limited to a small area directly behind the percussion nipple, a common occurrence on arms that saw active service. The underside of the stock, immediately forward of the trigger guard, is stamped with the coveted Richmond Arsenal captured and collected “Z” marking.

This is a fine, untouched example of an 1861-dated Springfield Rifle-Musket that served on both sides of the conflict. Combining strong original condition, documented Confederate capture history, and desirable Richmond Arsenal markings, it represents a scarce and important Civil War collectible. 

Inventory Number: RIF-362

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An original buff leather cavalry carbine sling. The cavalry accoutrement is unshortened and is in complete condition. Issued to and used by Federal cavalry prior to and during the Civil War, this buff leather sling is in the original brown and had not been dyed black as required in the 1851 army regulations.  

Exterior exhibits a strong brown color with a Mexican war / early civil war buff finish to the leather. The leather sling is excellent. The strong buff sling measures approximately 56” long by 2¼” wide and is complete with its steel, one-link swivel, a brass two-prong buckle and the brass ‘batwing’ tip. 

The original maker-snap hook is present Swivel has three components: snaphook, middle link and steel sling loop and measures 8½” in total length. When the snaphook attached to the trooper’s carbine sling bar, it rendered the trooper’s hands free maintain the reins while aboard his horse.  

Leather exterior surface displays only slight soiling.  Interior shows few dark spots and some light surface grime / staining from use. Sling body still very strong. Once shiny bright, all metal areas of the swivel with a pleasing gray patina. 

Original, buff leather, uncut specimens of Civil War era Union cavalry slings are seldom seen and very fast becoming scarce in the collecting field today.  A very nice complete example of an early piece of equipment issued to Federal cavalrymen.  A great addition to any cavalry collection. 

Inventory Number: CAV 128

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A fine example of the U.S. Model 1860 Light Cavalry Officer’s Saber, dated 1862 and bearing the retailer’s stamp of D.J. Millard, New York. The blade remains bright overall, showing only minor peppering, primarily along the cutting edge and toward the tip. Both flats retain a clean appearance, with the right side marked “U.S. C.E.W. 1862,” and the left stamped “D.J. Millard / Clayville, N.Y.”

The brass hilt exhibits a rich, dark yellow patina, with the pommel cap displaying an attractive engraved foliate scroll motif typical of officer-grade sabers. A small tape label marked “7” is present on the rear of the guard, likely an old museum or collection tag. The grip retains its original leather covering and twisted wire wrap, showing expected wear from age and handling. The leather throat washer remains partially intact, though worn and reduced.

The steel scabbard carries a dark gray-brown patina with scattered peppering and minor crimping dents toward the drag. The drag is stamped “B 16” on one side, with faint “U.S.” visible on the reverse, consistent with period inspection marks.

A well-marked and visually appealing Civil War-era officer’s saber, enhanced by its engraved pommel and strong retailer markings.

Inventory Number: SWO 354

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A strong example of a U.S. Model 1816 musket altered to percussion, featuring a confederate braised bolster conversion and retaining its original .69 caliber smoothbore configuration.

The lock is marked SPRINGFIELD 1831 with a central U.S. stamp, showing a crisp and desirable early arsenal marking. The conversion is executed in the classic manner with an 1861-dated percussion hammer, indicating continued use and updating into the Civil War period.

The barrel retains visible inspection markings at the breech, including H&P 1861, clearly struck on the top flat. Metal surfaces throughout display a smooth, even dark patina, undisturbed and attractive.

A distinctive small brass, shield-shaped plaque is inset into the stock opposite the lock, engraved “C B 1”, overlapping one of the inspector cartouches—an interesting period embellishment or identification marking. Additional inspector cartouches remain visible on the left side of the stock.

The stock is solid with a consistent dark tone and light handling wear. A carved “A” is present just forward of the trigger guard, adding further period character. The musket is fitted with a reversed rear sight of 1855/1861 pattern.

A well-marked and visually appealing Model 1816 confederate conversion with strong Civil War-era features and unique stock embellishment.

Inventory Number: RIF 299

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A solid example of a U.S. Model 1816 musket converted from flintlock to percussion, retaining its original .69 caliber smoothbore configuration. The conversion utilizes a threaded side bolster and period percussion hammer, indicative of mid-19th century arsenal or contractor alteration.

The lock is clearly marked U.S. / N. WICKHAM with a visible 1831 date at the rear, consistent with contract production of the period. Metal surfaces throughout exhibit a smooth, even dark brown patina, undisturbed and pleasing.

The barrel shows standard inspection markings, with the breech retaining U.S. proof and inspector stamps. There is no visible rifling, confirming its smoothbore status. The musket is fitted with a rear sight notch, likely added during its period of service.

The stock remains strong with a rich, dark tone and scattered handling marks. Wood-to-metal fit is tight overall, with only minor age-related wear. Both sling swivels are present, while the ramrod is absent.

A straightforward and honest Model 1816 conversion, offering strong visual appeal and classic Civil War-era character.

Inventory Number: RIF 343

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A strong example of an early U.S. Model 1816 Springfield flintlock musket in .69 caliber smoothbore, retaining classic Federal-era characteristics.
The lock is crisply marked with the eagle over U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, and dated 1816 at the rear. The barrel, lock, ramrod, and trigger guard exhibit a consistent dark brown patina, while the barrel bands have aged darker and appear to have been period blackened. The buttplate shows a pleasing gray tone with darker spotting.

The left breech is stamped with an eagle head and “P” proof mark, clearly visible. The side plate has been cleaned bright, offering contrast against the darker surrounding metal. This musket features an interesting variation front barrel band along with shorter band springs.

The stock is of the later high-comb 1839 pattern, with a cheek cut on the left side of the butt. Inspector’s markings including “JL” and an oval cartouche are present on the underside behind the trigger guard.

This example retains both sling swivels and its original ramrod with tulip-shaped tip. Mechanically, the cock does not currently hold at half or full cock.

An honest and attractive early Springfield with desirable markings and noted variation features. 

 Inventory Number: RIF 347

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A U.S. Model 1816 musket converted to percussion and associated with Confederate use. The lock is crisply marked E. WHITNEY / VALLEY FORGE with an 1833 date, exhibiting a smooth, even gray patina. The conversion features a brass bolster, consistent with Southern alteration practices.

The .69 caliber smoothbore barrel retains clear inspection and proof markings at the breech. Metal surfaces throughout show a pleasing, untouched patina with no visible modern refinishing.

The stock is solid and attractive, displaying a deep brown tone with scattered, honest handling marks. A faint oval inspector’s cartouche remains visible on the left flat. There is minor, stable age cracking at the rear of the butt, typical of period use.

All primary components are present, including both sling swivels and the original button-tipped ramrod. A well-balanced example of a Confederate-used Model 1816 conversion with strong visual appeal and desirable Whitney/Valley Forge marking.

Inventory Number: RIF 319

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A fine Richmond-made double barrel percussion shotgun retaining a pleasing dark brown patina to the steel. The barrels are smooth with good tone, accompanied by sling swivels at the muzzle and trigger guard.

Both lockplates are clearly marked S. SUTHERLAND, a known Richmond, Virginia maker working during the antebellum period. The left lock shows evidence of a period repair, with a nail driven into the stock overlapping the rear edge of the lockplate—an honest and stable field repair consistent with use.

The high-combed buttstock features a circular patchbox on the right side with a brass frame and steel lid, lightly engraved with a simple scroll motif. The wooden ramrod channel is present, though the original metal-tipped ramrod is now absent.

Overall, this is a strong and attractive example of a Southern double barrel fowler, representative of Richmond production in the antebellum era and retaining desirable maker-marked locks.

Inventory Number: RIF 342

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A solid and attractive example of an early American flintlock militia musket, smoothbore and .69 caliber, manufactured by Ashmore. The lock is clearly marked “Ashmore” and retains its original flintlock configuration, remaining in functional working order.

The barrel shows a pleasing, even patina and bears inspection marks including “P” and additional proofing consistent with the period. The breech and steel components exhibit a deep, dark brown tone, while the brass furniture retains a mellow yellow patina that contrasts nicely with the darker metal surfaces.

The stock remains sound and visually appealing, showing expected handling wear from years of service. There are minor losses along the barrel channel and areas of light chipping near the lock, all consistent with age and use. The sling swivels are intact, and the musket retains its ramrod, now fitted with a period-style button tip.

An honest and complete example of a flintlock militia arm, retaining its original character and configuration. A fine representative piece from the early 19th century.

Inventory Number: RIF 349

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