VERY RARE**1864 British Enfield Tower 2nd Model Brunswick .750 Musket Calibre Muzzle Loading Percussion Rifle With Patchbox & Sling Muzzleloader .750 Rifles

**VERY RARE**1864 British Enfield Tower 2nd Model Brunswick .750 Musket Calibre Muzzle Loading Percussion Rifle With Patchbox & Sling. Sn 19997:9 19997:9

The Brunswick rifle was a large calibre muzzle-loading percussion rifle manufactured for the British Army by Enfield in the early 19th century. The Brunswick rifle was one of several designs submitted to replace the Baker rifle. Unlike the Baker rifle, the Brunswick rifle used a special round ball with raised ribs that fit into two spiraling grooves in the barrel. The rifle was designed to accept a sword type bayonet which mounted by use of a bayonet bar, similar to the design of that used on the Baker rifle. The bayonet bar was relocated further back due to problems that had been experienced with the Baker rifle. The Brunswick rifle used a block front sight and a two position folding leaf rear sight which although ungraduated were set for either 200 or 300 yards. 2nd Model Brunswick rifles were introduced C1845. In 1854 as a result of introduction of the Minie rifle musket, Brunswicks were issued to militia Regiments and remained in service with them into the 1860’s (see page 64 plate 58 and page 65 of British Military Longarms by Bailey). This is a very rare to find 2nd model Enfield Tower Brunswick rifle. The usual calibre of a Brunswick rifle is .704 calibre our variant is .750 musket calibre. It is stamped on the lock plate with Crown VR (Victoria Regina) 1864 date and inspection mark together with Tower (Enfield). It has all original woodwork with correct brass butt plate, trigger guard, fore end block, ram rod mounts, patch box with hinged lid which has the correct 2 compartments, original steel ramrod, sling swivels fitted with leather sling & bayonet bar with notch (the notch on our example is set in the centre of the bar, the same as the example illustrated in Baily’s book). It has the correct fore and 2 leaf rear sights. The correct plain steel barrel has proof / inspection marks and measures 30” in length (1st models had twist steel barrels). The rifle measures 45 ¾” overall. The rifled bore has staining and residue consistent with age & use. The cocking and firing actions work crisply. The price for this very rare piece includes UK delivery. NB This is an antique muzzle loading percussion rifle and no licence is required to own it in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 19997:9

£3750