Birmingham Arms rifle

[Nobade]

On Gunbroker I see a Enfield rifle listed, as Birmingham Arms 1861. It's a P53 with a rifled bore, English type proof marks, and very poor lock stamping. The seller says it's not Indian made but it's certainly not English or old. And he wants quite a high price for it. I'd not seen one quite like it before, does anyone know what the story is on those?

 

[Phil Coffins]

I believe that the 1861 is a shorter rifle. A different model of the 1853 Enfield.

 

[TDM]

@Phil Coffins is correct, the 1861 was a short barrel version of the 1853. It also had 5 groove rifling instead of 3 and a faster 1:48 twist. Very handy size.

 

[TreeMan]

I saw that rifle on gunbroker also. It is absolutley not an original. Actually I’m not sure who made it. I’m thinking it’s an Italian gun that’s had a major Defarb done to it. I know the listing says it’s not Italian but most sellers of something like this on gunbroker have zero idea what they are talking about. I took the liberty of stealing the gunbroker photos to post here. I’m sure someone will recognize what it is.

 

[Nobade]

Yes, I have a Parker Hale 1861. The point of my post was asking if anyone has ever heard of the rifles he is selling? It looks really fake to me but maybe there is a new manufacturer out there.
Link to the auction (if that is allowed) https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1043588538

 

[TreeMan]

Yes, I have a Parker Hale 1861. The point of my post was asking if anyone has ever heard of the rifles he is selling? It looks really fake to me but maybe there is a new manufacturer out there.
Link to the auction (if that is allowed) https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1043588538

Birmingham small arms was an actual maker of these rifles at one time. Google them. They did make these during the civil war but I’m guessing this is a reproduction. A rifle can be made, defarbed and General Motors markings can be put on them. Doesn’t mean General Motors actually made it. Someone on the forum will come along and tell us.