CS BARNETT P1853 ENFIELD

CS Barnett P1853 Enfield

Barnett is one of the London makers.  The London made Enfields were proofed and marked differently than the Birmingham Enfields.  In the rush to purchase Enfields Southern buyers bought from several firms and there are several different sets of marks that indicate southern purchase.  The Firm of Barnett and Sons is know for being a supplier to the south.  Sinclair Hamilton and Company had several contracts to purchase Enfields for the south.  

This example is a full length P1853 Enfield marked Barnett London on the lock.  The barrel has London proofs.  The rifle is complete and origional.  The metal is a deep brown with areas of pitting, some light and some heavier.  The action works well.  The rear sight is present.  The stock is solid and full length.  It has a firm name opposite the lock, which is probably the furnisher.  Stamped into the wood in front of the buttplate is a crown over SHG over a horizontal arrow.  This mark is pictured in the book "The English Connection" .  The mark is shown as a Sinclair Hamilton mark.  It shows up on London guns and 1861 dated Birmingham enfields.  This mark may represent the First contract SInclair Hamilton contract  Enfields.  Tge second contract marks are the numbered buttplate, JS Anchor marked Enfields.