Enfield musket, England 1861 1046

Reproduction of an English musket, made of metal and wood, with a simulated loading and firing mechanism.

The Enfield 1861 was a shortened version of the Enfield 1853; in the British Empire it was used by artillery units for self-defense. In the American Civil War (1861-1865) it was used by artillery and cavalry units, being the second most widely used rifle of the war. It was a very popular weapon, especially among Confederate troops, who imported more Enfield rifles than any other weapon during the conflict, purchasing them from private contractors and arms dealers.

The Enfield 1861, also known as the Pattern 1861 Enfield, was a muzzle-loading musket rifle in 15 mm (.577) calibre. The rifle had a steel barrel with only three grooves and was attached to the forend by two metal clamps, which is why it was often called the "two-groove pattern". The bullets used were usually of the Minié pattern and were not made by melting lead in a mould, but by cutting a thick lead wire, which gave it greater strength.

Measurements: 102 cm
Weight: 2,320 g