Enfield Pattern 1858

Naval Short Rifle. It is nearly fully stocked with brass plate and fore-end which is secured to the barrel by two steel bands, the upper of which bears a loop for a sling. Brass trigger guard to the front of which is secured the lower sling loop. Steel ramrod is set into the underside of the stock. The lock is a percussion sidelock. The hammer may be set at half cock (safe) and full cock (fire). The barrel is rifled with five grooves. Fitted with grooved lug for bayonet on the right side of muzzle. Leaf backsight with steps up to 400 yards and graduations on the folding leaf up to 1100 yards (all graduations in 100 yards intervals). Fixed blade foresight. The calibre is 0.577in. Engraved on the lockplate is a crown over 'VR' and '1862' over 'TOWER' together with crown over arrow acceptance mark. On the barrel are three marks on left side of the breech. Maker's name under butt, circular stamp on right side of the butt and the painted figures A8 over 62. This pattern rifle was approved in November 1857 and put into production in December 1858. In addition to those made at Birmingham, London and at Enfield, naval rifles were also made in Liege and bear typical Belgian proof marks. Joseph Bentley and Charles Playfair were in partnership in Birmingham from 1848-1900.
J. Bentley