VERY RARE**1864 British WD Enfield Tower 3rd Pattern Brunswick .704” Calibre Muzzle Loading Percussion Rifle With Patchbox Containing A Single Moulded Belted Lead Ball & Original Ordnance Marked Brass Hilt Sword Bayonet. Sn 19135:9 Muzzleloader .50 Rifles

**VERY RARE**1864 British WD Enfield Tower 3rd Pattern Brunswick .704” Calibre Muzzle Loading Percussion Rifle With Patchbox Containing A Single Moulded Belted Lead Ball & Original Ordnance Marked Brass Hilt Sword Bayonet. Sn 19135:9 - 19135:9

The Brunswick rifle was a large calibre (.704) 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 could be set for either 200 or 300 yards. This is a very rare to find 3rd Pattern Brunswick rifle. It is stamped on the lock by the maker ‘Tower’ (Enfield) together with 1864 date and WD inspection marks. It also has the Crown VR mark (Victoria Regina). It has all original woodwork with correct brass butt plate, trigger guard, fore end block, ram rod mounts, patch box with hinged lid which contains a single moulded belted lead ball, original steel ramrod, bayonet bar & sling swivels. It has the correct fore and rear sights. The barrel has proof / inspection marks and measures 30” in length (45 ¾” overall). The bore has correct 2 groove rifling and has staining and residue consistent with age & use. The cocking and firing actions work crisply. The rifle comes with an original period sword bayonet (see pages 356, plate No. 714 & 357, plate No. 715 of The Bayonet Book By Watts & White for similar examples). The bayonet with large 22" leaf shaped spear point double edged blade has central fullers and medial ridge. The blade is undamaged and has just staining consistent with age. The blade has a small ordnance inspection mark (illustrated). It has the correct ribbed brass handle with brass cross guard & steel release button and spring that works as it should with a firm action. The pommel of the bayonet has ordnance inspection marks (illustrated). As is common this bayonet is without scabbard. 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 19135:9

£3,845.00