Rare Civil War Import Spanish Model 1857 "Enfield" Rifle

American Civil War

.577 caliber. 33" barrel. SN: 134. Blued finish, iron furniture, European hardwood stock. Single shot percussion ignition muzzleloading military pattern rifle. Lock marked with a Spanish crown over MADRID/1861. Lock serial numbered 134 at tail, with the matching serial/assembly number on the obverse stock as well. Retains the unique military ladder rear sight that is secured to the barrel with a clamping band, and the original front sight base that doubles as a socket bayonet lug. The front sight blade is a later, taller replacement, suggesting the rifle was being shot in more recent times. The rifle also retains the rarely encountered correct ramrod with a brass band around the smooth jag head with torque hole. Rifle retains both sling swivels as well.

The Spanish Carabina Rayada Modelo 1857/59 was the last of the standard issue percussion rifles for the Spanish military. The guns saw use not only with the Spanish military, but also with the Spanish colonial troops in their colonies and possessions. Some of the rifles, primarily those with "Madrid" marked locks and date 1861 were also imported by the Confederacy for use during the American Civil War. Those with serial numbers below about 500, like this example, have a strong association with Kentucky's Orphan Brigade and were likely part of an order of "Enfield" pattern rifles obtained from Spain through Cuba by the brigade's commander Hiram Hawkins. A very scarce Civil War import rifle that is not often encountered for sale.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.