Confederate P-53 Enfield Musket Imported by Sinclair, Hamilton & Co.

NSN, .577 Caliber, 39" barrel with a dark, pitted bore.  This musket has an 1862 dated, "TOWER" marked lock, and has an overall plum-brown patina with even pitting throughout.  The breech of the barrel has extensive view and proof marks, and the brass furniture has developed a dark brown tarnish over time.  The English walnut stock has numerous small handling marks and blemishes scattered throughout, and exhibits the "S / H (C)" stamp of Sinclair, Hamilton & Co. on the left side opposite the lock, as well as a partially legible stockmaker stamp on the belly of the butt: "(???) BROTHERS".  Sinclair, Hamilton & Co. were importers for the Confederacy during the Civil War, and were the sole agents for the London Armoury Co. (Archibald Hamilton was also an officer of the LAC).  They, along with S. Isaac, Campbell & Co., were the biggest suppliers of British arms to the Confederate Ordnance Department, and primarily shipped Pattern 1853 Enfield Muskets and Carbines.  This example has an attractive relic appearance, and would make a fine piece for display.  Antique