Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

[DBURT]

Attached are the first two images of the Barnett defarb by Todd Watts as promised. The attention to detail is second to none, and the lockplate stamps of BARNETT LONDON, and the crown over the word TOWER are an exact copy of the originals. Another exclusive stamp on this gun is the "IC" stamp, which are the initials of one Isaac Curtis, who was a viewer working for S Isaac Campbell & Co. His "IC" mark is found on at least three original Barnett Enfields in the collection of the Atlanta History Center. Documents from the McRae papers show Curtis examining Barnett guns destined for the Confederacy through SIC&Co for the first few months of 1862. Todd is able to reproduce this mark accurately from pictures I sent him. On the side opposite the lockplate stamped into the wood are also the words BARNETT over LONDON, this is also found on originals. (See Attachment)

There will be a 24 page booklet available in the next couple of weeks written by myself and Craig L Barry detailing the history of the Barnett gun making company in London. It will be called 'The Civil War Enfield: J.E. Barnett & Sons'. This will detail the history of the firm, and the various members of the Barnett gunmaking dynasty, right up to the company of J.E. Barnett and its dealings with the Confederacy, along with pictures of original Barnett weapons.
It will be available shortly from Blockade Runner Sutlery.

Regards,

Dave Burt,ACWS, England.

[jppard]

It looks great, can you post some more pictures. I'm having my PH defarbed to LA Co Enfield at the present time I'm looking foward to it arriving soon.

J. Michael Perry

Jppard

[DBURT]

Sorry, those are the only two I have. They were taken at Blockade Runner, I am just awaiting its arrival now over here.

Dave Burt, ACWS, England.

[Craig L Barry]

David:

The Middle TN member of the Trans-Atlantic Barnett pamphlet writing team will be going by BRI this week to look over the final draft of the booklet before it goes to the printer. BRI has one on Birmingham Enfields and another on LACo in the works, too. I have the original pics you posted, seven shots in fact, but those two are the best images believe it or not. Despite the apparent difference in coloration, that is the same rifle in both pics. The color is more like image # 2, but that is just how the pics came out.

The brass buckle English sling we saw them working on in the shop when you were here touring battlefields last month is about finished as well. For those wanting the skinny on their Todd Watts Enfield, new defarbed Enfield models or parts to dress your defarbed Enfield up, times are good. I think the rifle sling is going to be $25 or something, about half the price I would have expected on it. I mean the right brass buckle alone was something like $11.95 when I made an English rifle sling like that for my son a few years back. Anyway, Mr Burt, you may want one of these for your Barnett defarb...the link is www.blockaderunner.com/other/hotnewitems.html. Note: this is the correct Civil War-era British rifle sling, no loose leather thong ties at the bottom, it has a fixed sling loop at the base, waxed black leather. Richmond Depot used to make one like it but it was not on their website the last time I checked. Honestly, I think I am as excited about that sling as you are about your Tower marked Barnett de-farb.

Todd Watts and I are about to start work on a couple Mississippi Rifles. I found a nice old Antonio Zoli US 1841 percussion rifle from Navy Arms in good shape, as well as an old repro US 1841 rifle made by Bernadelli. Todd is taking on the Bernadelli and I will have the Zoli. Found a long range ladder rear sight for it, Todd has the right barrel browning solution, may do mine as a Whitney...at any rate these two are NOT FOR SALE...these are going to be our babies for CS skirmish drill and historic weapons demos out at Stones River and we hope to have them done by the anniversary programs in late December. If these projects come out decently, de-farbed Mississippi rifle variants may be something you see down the road from Todd Watts. The US 1841s have long been a love of mine and Todd's CS ancestor actually carried one in .54 during the Civil War. As you Brits like repatriating your Enfields, we Americans like our US Model rifles and muskets.

[OldKingCrow]

Originally Posted by Craig L Barry

David:

Todd's CS ancestor actually carried one in .54 during the Civil War. As you Brits like repatriating your Enfields, we Americans like our US Model rifles and muskets.

I have a killer m1841 as I supposed it was a logical choice for my CS 2nd Florida - Co K - Cavalry ancestor (GGGGrandfather).

Then I found this:

CHARLESTON, S.C., February 10, 1864.
Lieut. Col. J. R. WADDY

COLONEL:

On 27th January, two companies of Second Florida Cavalry, Col. Caraway Smith, were inspected. Station, Camp Finegan, within 8 miles of Jacksonville, Fla. Companies F and K, Captains Rou and Jones: These companies are armed with the Enfield rifle, and the guns are in very fine order, but, as in case of Sixth Florida Infantry, carry too much ammunition in their cartridge-boxes. I found some cartridges with no powder in them at all, caused by the paper wearing out by friction. Saddles, fair; armed also with sabers.

Your obedient servant,
L. JAQUELIN SMITH,
Captain, Artillery, Assistant Chief of Ordnance.

Now I want to swap the m1841 and I need a saber !