Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

[buckandball]

I recently acquired a Barnett contract Enfield as a restoration project. Lock is marked Barnett, London, with “Tower” under the crown.

The barrel is void of any proof marks (like the typical 25 x 25 / 24 x 24 type markings). Nothing is visible above the stock.

Upon removing the barrel from the stock, Barnett and something is clearly stamped, and a few numbers of some sort under the breech area.

I have just never seen an original without any obvious proof marks of this nature. But I am only now trying to get familiar with Enfields and the proof house requirements for contracts, etc.

Anyone familiar with how Barnett rifle muskets was typically marked?

Thanks

[BrianHicks]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Capt. Grant,

The man you should ask is Tim Prince. He is at the Charleston Civil War show this weekend, but should be available this evening, or tomorrow. You'll find him listed in these forums, or you can e-mail him at:

equaliser@earthlink.net

Semper Fidelis

[M.Latham]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Ben,

Barnett P53 arms are London proofed.

See example below:

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Hallo!

"Barnett" was a "London commercial firm," and along with London Armoury, are one of the most commonly found of the London-made companies' guns.

In brief and to over-generalize... and there are variations...

A London-made gun barrel should carry the stamp marks of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers' commercial proofs. These are different stamps than the Birmingham commercial proof-marks. These vary a bit in style.
One will find from top to bottom, at the breech:

Definitive Proof of a crown over a stylized "CP"

View Mark of a crown over a "V"

Provisional Proof of a rampant lion over a "G"

Sometimes there is a gauge mark of "24" stamped between the Provisional Proof and the View Mark. While the other stamps are read looking down aligned from breech ot muzzle, the gauge stamp is read looking left-to-right (meaning sideways).

Underneath a barrel will often be found the barrel maker's name, the initials of an inspector or sub-inspector, and "fitting" marks that appear as small multiple "slashes" made by the edge of a chisel or screwdriver such as "\\\"

Curt

[buckandball]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Gents

Thanks for the insights. No time tonight, but I will post some pics early in the week. This is void of anything above the stock.

Mr. Hicks, Semper Fi. Hope this finds you well.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Sir,

Retirement is suiting me very well. I hope you'll eventually enjoy the same.

Semper Fidelis

[buckandball]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Here are some pics of the barrel. What is interesting is the barrel seems to have some very light finish on it. Not bluing per say, but it almost feels like an ever so thin layer of a shellac or acrylic. The stock and brass fittings all have a light coat of something on them. Not sure if it was someone’s idea of preserving it in recent times or a long time ago…





The last pic appears to say “something BARREL Co”, but as you can see it is worn on unevenly struck.

No other marks. The lock plate has no year on it.



Also, the bands are the style where the top is slightly flat. I cannot for the life of me recall which pattern of band that is, or if that is correct for a wartime import.

Regards

Ben

[musketbal]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

My enfield was defarbed by James River Armory. Perhaps these pictures may help.
Brent Conner

[Third Mainer]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

From the pics provided, I would say that barrel has been sanded and refinished.
Mike Pearson

[M.Latham]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Hello,

From your pictures I would echo what Mike said above, the tube has bee "re-finished". The tube appears to have been turned around the breech area before the "breech lump" and then filed.

The lock plate indicates that the arm is a "second" grade Barnett. Or one that follows the pattern of the typical hand made guns of the Commercial trade, rather than the Enfield or London Armory "machine made" arms.

Regards,

[musketbal]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Sorry for the first series of poor quality of photos. These should be better. Ihope.
Brent Conner

[Jimmayo]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Hello,

The lock plate indicates that the arm is a "second" grade Barnett. Or one that follows the pattern of the typical hand made guns of the Commercial trade, rather than the Enfield or London Armory "machine made" arms.

Regards,

What is the significance of the crown and tower on the back of the lock? I have never seen this marking on a London gun.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Hallo!

Barnett did use the crown over "TOWER."
I had three such "Barnett's."

Curt

[58 lorenz]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Here's my Barnett. I really don't know too much about it,and the lockplate stamping seems atypical. The barrel has Birmingham proofs on it,too.



Doug Price

[M.Latham]

Re: Barnett Enfield question, proof marks…

Jim,

Doug has posted an excellent picture of the faux "machine made" Barnett.

Made to appear as if it were the same quality of the London Armory or Enfield made arms, notice the lack of engraving along the edge of the lock or hammer.

Regards,