Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

[stri volunteer]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Todd is in my unit and he is working on a LA Co (1861) de-farbed Enfield to go along with his various others. The stamps ought to be ready in a couple weeks.

[Dutchman Dick]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Got my re-worked Nepalese "Enfield" back today. Looks even better "in person" than in the photos! One thing I really appreciated was the repair Todd did to my musket's ramrod. It was about 1/4" shorter than bore length, and while this was perfectly adequate for use as a ramrod, it made using the rod for cleaning rather impractical. Since the original threads were in poor shape anyway, Todd welded an extension onto the ramrod, cleaned up the joint, and rethreaded the end, making the rod about 1/2" longer than bore depth. This was really the only practical option, as repro Enfield rods are all of the straight shank variety, while the type II ramrod has a swelling behind the head similar to an 1855 or 1861 Springfield. Originals are out there, but are becoming scarcer as the supplies from the Nepal cache dry up. Todd also shimmed my tumbler shaft to take the slop out of the hammer/tumbler joint (the square hole is oversized, or the shaft is undersized). He couldn't do much more, as apparently the tumbler is made of somewhat soft steel, and at some point I may have to replace it, but for now it's OK.
Unlike a defarbed Italian repro, my gun does not look like a brand-new, fresh-out-of-the-crate gun. Nor, however, does it resemble the crusty, battered, finish-worn antique I sent off to Todd. Rather, it looks like what the U.S. purchasing agents would likely have gotten: a somewhat used, but serviceable, surplus gun, with a few honest dings and dents from wear (all of the type II's, with the possible exception of the Robbins and Lawrence guns that were never shipped due to the cessation of the Crimean War, would likely have been like this, as the type II P1853 was "obsolete" 4 years prior to the start of the Civil War). The finish is somewhat rough - not due to Todd's handiwork, but due to manufacturing techniques. Contemporary accounts mention some soldiers' dislike of the Enfields as being "rough" - apparently not all of the Birmingham guns were top-notch. Todd's staining of the light-colored stock wood is not inauthentic, either, as apparently some of the B-ham guns had stocks of beech or similar light-colored wood that was stained to more closely resemble walnut.

Thanks, Todd, and keep up the great work!!!:D:D:D

[Steven B]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Just recieved my Todd Watts defarbed Enfield and thought I'd post a few pictures.

My Enfield started out life as an out of the box new Armi Sport. Got it for $4.95 and a bunch of hotel rewards points. Todd turned it into a CS contract Enfield that looks like it just came off the blockade runner (pun intended).

Todd was always responsive to any questions or requests I had. From the time he recieved it until it was on my doorstep was about five weeks (he had four ahead of me). His work on refinishing the stock is outstanding.

Thanks Todd

[S.M.A. Smythers]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

I also want to compliment Todd on the quality of his work. He just defarbed my '42 and my '61 Springfields. He refinished the stocks and removed modern markings from the barrels. The barrels look flawless. In fact it looks like he polished all the metal on both guns. Turnaround time was very quick, and Todd promptly answered any questions I had. Thanks Todd.

[Todd Watts]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Glad you guys are pleased. Now don't be afraid to use them because to really look "de-farbbed" they need a little wear.;)

I am finally producing London Armoury Co. Enfields in either type III or type IV versions. One is on its way home to a (hopefully) happy customer now after being studied and photographed at Blockade Runner for a piece Mr. Barry will do on it, and 2 more are being done now. As if I needed anything else to do...

[scottdr2]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Just got my "Tower" Enfield (1858 Armi Sport) short rifle back from Todd. WOW what a nice defarb job! I could not be more pleased. Thank Todd!

[Craig L Barry]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Todd does the best de-farbed Enfield in the biz, hands down bar none. His main shortcoming is that his services are more in demand than he has time available. It can require a wait, but that wait is worth it.

[Todd Watts]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Boy ain't that the truth! I am backed up pretty bad after my recent move and period of being unable to work, but am finally back in business. I am glad you like it Scott - and really sorry about that wait!:o Thanks for the kudos, Craig. I pay you well.;)

[Craig L Barry]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Todd:
The way you are doing the B'ham nosecap with the brass rivets now...that is a detail that most people are not going to notice but it is a historical feature correction that declares, "the guy who de-farbed this gets it." Lodgewood Mfg used to give you a run for your money and JRA a few years ago made a nice variety of P53 variations (some fantasy pieces too). The scary thing is with the new LA Co version(s) how much distance you are putting between your Enfield and whoever is # 2. Now if you could just teach me how to do the number one man's job on the artillery piece out at Stones River (to the satisfaction of the park ranger), we will call it even.

Oh, and as agreed I am supposed to confess that at the last historic weapons demo out at STRI, I managed to fold the blade of my knife on top of my own finger. Todd was right there for me, though. IIRC he helpfully suggested that I rub some dirt on it as I was losing blood by the gallon.

[Todd Watts]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

:D It would have been a perfect time for the surgeon demonstration since your amputation attempt was not quite completed.:p

[DBURT]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Im extremely jealous of all you over the pond being able to get your muskets defarbed.
I would love Todd to rework my Euro Arms....I would love it turned into a "Barnett". Unfortunately it is virtually impossible to ship my gun to Blockade Runner to do the work.
If any Brit out there has had his gun reworked by Todd, please let me know how to get it to him... any suggestions welcome.
Frustratingly.

Dave Burt, ACWS, UK
Author " Major Caleb Huse C.S.A. & S Isaac Campbell & Co"

[Prodical Reb]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

ask Todd first about doing the entire rifle piecemeal.

I don't know if this would work from over there but sending him parts by post? Ship the stock first, then the barrel, then bands and lock or what ever order you would like to ship it to him. Would this work with the UK post Regs?

[Todd Watts]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

That might work although shipping/handling would be a beast to deal with. BRi has sold guns to European customers and can ship over there, but getting it here is the problem it seems. Will you be coming over here anytime soon for an event in which you would bring the gun? It is feasible I could do it in a couple of days and let you carry it back with you, loaning you one of mine for use while you are here.

[DBURT]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Todd,
I will not be coming over until next year....I want to visit Antietam National Battlefield. What I will do is see if my local gun dealer can ship it direct to Blockade Runner, but he states he is having trouble shipping to the States.
If this fails I will sell my Enfield and buy a new one from BR for you to defarb and send it to my local gun dealer. This may work.
Its a nightmare, but to get a defarb of yours especially a "Barnett" will be worth it.
In the meantime if there are any Brits out there who have had similar problems, please advise me the best way to go about it!!!

Dave Burt, ACWS, England.
Author "Major Caleb Huse C.S.A. & S Isaac Campbell & Co"

[Tarheel]

Re: Massive Todd Watts Enfield Defarb!!!

Dave,
You could try Peter Dyson in Yorkshire. He certainly knows his Enfields (in their original form) and I have had good service from him over the years. However, others complain about the slowness of his service. You would have to be absolutely specific about your requirements and here a copy of Craig's excellent book would be of great value. However, I think the best solution is to buy a new repro from BR and get Todd to work his magic on it (don't forget it will have to be smoothbored to be classified as a shot gun in the UK). As a shotgun, it could be imported by a UK Firearms dealer and then placed on your Shotgun Certificate. Email me if you wish to discuss further.

Patrick Reardon,
Lazy Jack Mess, UK