E.P. Bond Enfield Rifle Musket, JS/Anchor


At the outbreak of the War Between the States the Confederate Central Government contracted for the purchase of 30,000 Enfield Rifle Muskets to be delivered between October 1861 and April 1862. These Weapons had hand engraved inventory numbers put on the tang of the butt plates, 3 series were to be delivered each numbered 1 to 10,000, with the second series engraved with an A suffix and the third series an B suffix.

This is one of those historically significant Imports.

The Civil War Arsenal newest member is an E.P. Bond Enfield Rifle musket that has many of the distinguishing marks that collectors want to see with any Confederate Imported Weapon. The JS / Anchor is the stamp of John Southgate who was the Confederate States Chief Enfield Inspector, kind of like a quality inspector, hand engraved # 8199 on the tang of the brass butt plate, and B for Bond stamped on the comb of the stock which represents the maker/furnisher of the weapon.

Overall this E.P. Bond Enfield is a beauty, missing its rear adjustable sight is a bummer but it’s not that unusual since they were soldered on and either broke off or fell off due to the barrel heating up during rapid fire. It was missing the rear sling swivel which I replaced with original that I purchased from Lodgewood Mfg.

I purchased the socket bayonet made by J.R. Field from an EBAY auction. Its not a Salter made bayonet but I thought it was appropriate for the Bond Enfield since it was from a private contractor rather a British government contract.

Hope you enjoy the photos and if you have any questions about this weapon or any of the other Weapons in the Civil War Arsenal feel free to contact: Eugene West at civilwararsenal@yahoo.com

12 thoughts on “E.P. Bond Enfield Rifle Musket, JS/Anchor

  1. Hello,

    Thanks for the reply, I will send photos via Email hoping that is OK with you.

    Not sure I can show all markings on the gun to your satisfaction, but will try, I have some photos ready which I will go ahead and send…

    Whether you are interested or not is the bugaboo. But, if you are, and would want better photos I am willing… also, if you are interested, I could bother you with what I think may be some of the story on this Enfield.

    Well, thanks for taking some interest, I do wish I had something better to offer. I am a Northerner by birth, but do take an interest in all things Civil War, with a few specific areas of interest.

    Anyhow, I hope you at least find this Enfield to be authentic in most particulars.

    [I should have said I am in Ohio]

    • Dana, please provide quality high resolution images of Enfield and rifle appendage……when photoing the Enfield please provide images of lock plate, stock…left and right side, barrel and any damaged areas on weapon…..

      Regards, Gene West

  2. Hello Mr. West,

    I have visited your site several times and noticed you are interested in Civil War weapons. Of course I do not have one of those rare items you hope to find, but thought you might be interested in a P-53 Enfield I have that seems to have some interesting markings that might at least tell a good story.

    If you would like to know something more about the rifle, please let me know. I can give you a description of most of its particulars, as I have taken it apart and believe I have found most of the marks. It appears to be “as original” to me, but I am no expert. I do have photos.

    That said, please let me know if you would be at all interested.

    Also, I have another item called a carbine or rifle appendage, that is unusual, which I have not been able to find any pertinent information on, such as who made it, what gun it is for, etc. If you would care to lend your expertise I have photos of it I could send. To me at least it looks like it might be an item “Southern made”, but I don’t know. I might as well say it is a combo bullet mold in .38 calibre, and a bit rough in manufacture.

    Thanks for your time,
    hoping to hear from you either way, Dana Bates.

    [ P.S. I sent this message to both Emails as I am unsure if one or the other is outdated. ]

  3. Apology for Late Photos of Enfield

    Hello Gene West,

    Sending an apology for my lateness:

    Seems I jumped off the horse a little too soon. I did have a few photos, but found they were not likely good enough, so I went to taking new photos. My camera is not the best, so it takes quite a bit of time and trouble to get decent photos. Then the camera “malfunctioned” in some manner I don’t understand, so I couldn’t off-load the photos to edit or send. The camera finally somehow returned to normal, and I am trying to be careful not to cause it malfunction again….

    Anyhow, my fault, I should have been better prepared before contacting you. Hope you will understand.

    Having said that, I hope you are still willing take a look at the “appendage” and the Enfield. I will send photos in 2 or 3 Emails as there will be quite a few (this is due to my poor camera, no long-shots are any good)…

    You can send me an email at anytime if you are not wanting all this.

    Also would like to say that I am cognizant my Enfield is not likely up to your standards, so I do not have expectations of your making an offer. You are welcome to see the Enfield only as another example of a Civil War rifle. I am well aware that these weapons have been worked over by experts since way back in the days of Bannerman’s and before.

    Well, I will get on with the sending. Hoping all is well with you and yours, Dana Bates.

  4. I have a e p bond, 58 cal that was found in the attic of a home that was purchased from an estate on Lookout Mountain, Tn. The house was over 100 years old. It’s barrel had been coated with stove black. I was told that that proved it was used in battle because when it was new the barrel was shinny and reflected the sun. I just wondered about what the value is. I know it depends on the condition is. My opinion is it would be considered in good condition.

    • Ron, its good and bad…….let’s start with the bad first….
      Condition means everything when it comes to selling and collecting and unfortunately your Enfield is in fair condition. It’s missing the rear sight and sling swivels ( which can be replaced) and it has lots of corrosion and rust throughout…..perhaps it was used for hunting after the war accounting for some of its hard condition.
      The good news is it’s Confederate……forward of the tang at the butt plate there’s a stamp JS/Anchor which is the Confederate viewers mark John Southgate……..there may be other markings on the weapon but it would have to be physically examined to confirm.
      The condition of the Enfield hurts its value a bit…..if it were in excellent condition it would be worth Between 4-5K……..but I think in the condition it’s in it’s probably worth about $3000 give or take a couple hundred.
      All in all pretty nice Southern Weapon.

      Regards Gene

  5. Thanks Gene, now let me tell you how stupid people are. About ten years ago my wife went to work and went over to help a coworker empty her van into a dumpster. They had just purchased the house I told you about. She threw the musket in the dumpster and told my wife her husband said it was a piece of junk. She gave it to my wife. My lucky day!!

    • I’m glad your wife had the notion to save the Enfield from its faith…….it’s a great piece of American history……all Confederate weapons are rare and yours is no different……good luck with it……I hope you keep it, it makes for great conversation even if your not a Civil War geek…..lol.

      Best Regards, Gene

  6. Hi,
    Just purchased an 1862 Tower. Hoping you can provide some information about this gun. Under barrel is stamped the number 424 and T.? SW Deakin WD.
    Cartouche on butt is Birmingham Small Arms Trade Logo. Under but is stamped James Werley in small block letters. Under barrel wood is stamped J. Lowe.
    Side of barrel is stamped * 25 * 25 *. Top of brass butt plate is stamped 51.
    Will attach pictures. More available if helpful.
    Any help identifying this gun will be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Gregg

    • Gregg,
      The numbers 424 under the barrel and on the breech plug are for when the barrel and breech plug would be disassembled the mechanic would know which plug would go with which barrel……they would disassemble many at one time.
      SW are the initials the the inspector of the barrel, sometimes the same initials are found on the backside of the lock plate.
      William Deakin was a well known barrel maker in Birmingham England.
      WD, probably War Department
      James Werley, furnisher (stock maker)
      J. Lowe……not absolutely certain……but may be a viewer/inspector
      25 – 25, .577 caliber……standard size for Enfield
      51, rack number for when weapon is stored.

      Hope this helps, Merry Christmas……

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