Here's a place to start: http://shropshireregimentalmuseum.co...tline-history/
Here's a place to start: http://shropshireregimentalmuseum.co...tline-history/
It looks to me to be a commercially made "Volunteer" pattern .577 short rifle, possibly a copy of the P60 Army rifle with the 1:48 rifling.
I recommend posting these photos on the British Militaria Forum, as you'd probably get some very precise and complete answers regarding this rifle.
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/brit...ssion-arms-f4/
This is a presentation rifle, not as some have stated a prize rifle (ie. won at competition). It was presented by members of the fourth squad of the First Shropshire Rifle Volunteers to Sergeant Deaves as a mark of esteem and respect. Funds to cover its purchase were raised by donations. It was based on the naval rifle, but with the refinements including patent breech and checkering it is not a Pattern Enfield. The maker, F.T. Baker was armourer to the First Surrey Rifles. When presented it also had a sword-bayonet.
Volunteer rifles had to accept Government ammunition and musket caps. The Short Rifles appealed, being used by the Rifle Brigade. The so called 'Volunteer rifles' were short lived... from the early 1860s the Volunteers were re-armed with Government (P.53) Enfields. Officers still had the option of selecting their own arms.
David
David Minshall - www.researchpress.co.uk - www.facebook.com/ResearchPress
Firearms, long range target shooting and associated history
Thanks all,
David I have sent you an email.
Cheers,
GDU.
The presentation rifle discussed in this thread is featured in the new edition of my free to download web site magazine.
Research Press Journal, Issue 8, Winter 2019/20. Free download pdf magazine (40 pages)
- Priming: News, Events, People & Places (Bisley / Forthcoming Events / Thomas Wilson / Book News
- A Volunteer Enfield Rifle
- The Training of a Volunteer
- The Remington Rolling Block
- British Official Mid 19th Century Musketry Manuals
- Demise of the Black Powder Target Rifle
- The St. George's Challenge Vase
Link to Download - external site. Browse the link, there are back issues available.
Thanks for your interest.
David
David Minshall - www.researchpress.co.uk - www.facebook.com/ResearchPress
Firearms, long range target shooting and associated history
While researching a relative in the Irish Constabulary in the 1850's and 1860's I took a little detour and entered Sergeant James Deaves into a United Kingdom newspaper database. The Shrewsbury Chronicle from October 28, 1860 had a detailed, front page story about Sergeant Deaves, his rifle and the dinner when the rifle was presented. It is an interesting read. I will attempt to display the first 3 paragraphs of the story. The entire story is too large to display on the board. I can email to interested individuals.
Last edited by Jack C., 69th NY; 01-05-2020 at 01:57 PM.
Jack Conway
69th NY
David Minshall - www.researchpress.co.uk - www.facebook.com/ResearchPress
Firearms, long range target shooting and associated history
Much appreciated David,
amazing what is still available after all these years.
Jack, if I PM my email address would you mind sending me a copy of that paper?
Thanks,
Greg.
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