Musket identification help requested

[John Callahan]

Hello everyone I am a new member here. I would really appreciate help in identifying a musket.

I have recently purchased what I thought to be a short version of pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle. However after closer examination I have found some diffrences between the one in my possession and both the Navy and Sergeants' version of the rifle:
1. The barrel which is smoothbore has proof marks untypical for this type of rifle;
2. The stock cartouche is barely visible but seems to be indicating London Armoury Co.;
3. Two barrel bands with matching markings B over 32. The same mark can be found on a ramming rod. The front band has a bayonet lug on it;

The rifle came with a yatagan type sword bayonet which fits the lug. The markings on the bayonet are A & A. S.
Thank you in advance for yours help.

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

Your rifle is a Pattern 1856 no. 2 "Bar-on-Band" Rifle. Some people will call it a Pattern 1858 "Bar-on-Band" Rifle, so mileage may vary. The "Bar-on-Band" moniker comes from the location of the bayonet lug, which is attached to the front barrel band. The thought behind this was that the brazed on lugs of the regular Pattern 1856 Rifle would not be able to handle the weight and torque of the saber bayonet. The "bar-on-band" rifle was thought to solve this problem, then the Board of Ordnance realized that the brazed on lugs weren't an issue to begin with. Shortly there after the Board of Ordnance adopted 5 groove rifling for the use in short Enfield rifles, and the Pattern 1860 Rifle was born. With the P1860 the British Army reverted back to the bayonet lug being mounted directly on the barrel.

Your rifle strikes me as being of Afghan or Indian origin.

 

[John Callahan]

Thank you very much for such a comprehensive reponse. The gentleman I bought it from mentioned that the rifle might have some Indian history. What is the indicator of that?