^Lot 5 British Enfield Pattern 1853 Infantry Short Rifle

British Enfield Pattern 1853 Single Shot Breech-loading Infantry Two-Band Short Rifle, with Roberts cartridge conversion, NVSN, .58 CF Roberts cal., 30.5'' round barrel. Stamped ''1862/Tower'' on lockplate, with large crown behind hammer. Union General B.S. Robert's system converted percussion muskets to breech-loading cartridge rifles utilizing his own .58 Roberts centerfire cartridge. Roberts contracted with the Providence Tool Co. for the conversion work; many of these arms were P-1853 Enfields. The modification resulted in a weakened wrist area, and many guns experienced severe damage during their period of use. As a result, Roberts Conversion muskets are rather scarce today, especially the two-band Enfields. Receiver is marked ''Robert's Pat./June 11, 1867''; lockplate is stamped with a crown behind the hammer and ''1862/Tower'' ahead. Other markings are an upside-down ''365'' in the stock behind the lock, ''4813'' in the stock opposite the lock, and ''304'' on the bayonet lug. Buttplate, triggerguard and nose cap are brass; ribbed and slotted ramrod is iron. Condition is good to very good, with a bluish tone to the barrel and other iron parts having a gunmetal patina. Walnut stock has a left-side crack emanating from the receiver to the triggerguard, and another from the front triggerguard tang to the front lockplate screw, likely a consequence of the conversion. Stock is solid with good color, showing age, wear and dings but shows nicely. Action is tight and crisp, bore is clean with good rifling. Est.: $1,000-$1,500. (Antique)