Collectors and historians value authentic Civil War–era small arms for their stories as much as their mechanics. This post examines a rare, serviceable example that blends battlefield provenance with practical condition notes for buyers and curators. Shop this product

MUSKETEER RIFLES TOWER MODEL 1853 RIFLE MUSKET DATED 1863 is an NSN-listed, .577 caliber piece with a 39″ round barrel—an authentic British military three-band musket manufactured by Tower in 1863. The rifle shows a grey and brown metal patina and a stock with a faint Birmingham Small Arms cartouche near the butt plate on the right-hand side. Notable serviceable aspects include an action that holds at half and full cock; outstanding maintenance items are a top tang that needs a replacement screw and wood loss just rear of the bolster. Priced at $1,995.99, this Single Shot category piece from Musketeer Rifles (model: Various) represents an essential artifact from the period when the Confederacy purchased arms abroad.

Performance and historical ballistics

The .577 caliber bore was standard for the Pattern 1853 Enfield and related Tower-made rifle muskets; it delivered heavy, long-range performance with paper-patched or conical bullets used in the era. For collectors and reenactors, that caliber explains the rifle’s role as a primary arm imported to supply Confederate forces. The 39″ round barrel balances historical accuracy with handling that remains manageable for display firing under appropriate, professional restoration and proofing.

Key mechanical features

The three-band configuration secures the barrel to the stock and contributes to the rifle’s original military geometry. The action’s ability to hold at half and full cock confirms the sear and tumbler geometry remain intact—important for safe handling and potential sympathetic restoration work. The visible patina and Birmingham Small Arms cartouche add verification points for provenance.

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Acquisition and preservation guidance

At $1,995.99, this Tower Model 1853 is priced for serious collectors seeking original condition with light conservation needs—replace the top tang screw with period-appropriate hardware and address localized wood loss with conservation-grade fills. As a Single Shot collectible, its best uses are display, study, and historically informed firing only after professional inspection. Check current availability

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