Research Press - 2 Band Volunteer .577" Enfield Musket by G W

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2 Band Volunteer .577" Enfield Musket by G W (Read 1004 times)

dromia

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2 Band Volunteer .577" Enfield Musket by G W
07/03/05 at 10:31pm

Well I've just bought this lady and I am very pleased, she is excellent condidtion for her age, around 150 years old.

Indeed it is a classic Enfield and a slight departure for me from metallic cartridge rifles into the realm of black powder. I've dabble with the coal dust all my life but this is the first serious BP rifle I've ever had.

The bore seems near mint with 5 grooves and the nipple seems original or at least period.

Need to get her on ticket before I can see how she shoots and I'm really looking forward to trying her at long range, 600 yrds.

Here's some photographs of the girl and any info on the rifle is much appreciated as this outside my ken.

Overall shots:

Bayonet lug:

Proof marks:

The lock:

Rear sight:

Loading end:

Its got a big bore:

Finally makers marks:

Any one know anything about G W Bales?

Sans Peur

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dbm

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Long Range Muzzle
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Re: 2 Band Volunteer .577" Enfield Musket by
Reply #1 - 07/04/05 at 7:01am

From Bailey and Nie's "English Gunmakers": George William Bales

Colchester. 150 High St. 1850-1870.

Ipswich. Tavern St. 1838; 15 Cornhill 1845-1870. Also archery warehouse.

Have a look at the historical database at www.internetgunclub.com . There is some additional information there.

You look to have a nice and good to hear you're going to get it shootng again. The following article should help you with equipment needs and getting started: www.researchpress.co.uk/targets/musketry/enfieldmanagement.htm

Hope to see you on the ranges. Just missed them now, but the MLAGB holds a series of matches at 200, 300, 500 and 600 yards for Enfields (March to May), and in the long Range Rifles Branch we have an Enfield aggregate fired at 600 and 800 yards! Great fun....

David

David Minshall

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dromia

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Re: 2 Band Volunteer .577" Enfield Musket by
Reply #2 - 07/04/05 at 8:56pm

Thank you for that David.

I got the other info on bales fron the site.

I am a research press visitor and have seen and read the article mentioned thoroughly, I'd been toying with idea of getting a PH for a few years now, but put if off in the hope of getting an original, the wait was worth it methinks.

Where does the MLAGB shoot those matches, Wedgnock?

I shoot with the Durham branch but they mainly shoot shotgun.

I'm in a good rifle club that specialises in military weapons so will get back to 600yrds there.

I go to Bisley as often as I can and will be there this weekend at the Historic Arms shoot.

Sans Peur

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dbm

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Re: 2 Band Volunteer .577" Enfield Musket by
Reply #3 - 07/05/05 at 6:53am

The MLAGB mid and long range matches are at Bisley. A bit of a trek from Durham area, but there's plenty of shooting for a weekend. The Long Range Rifles Branch usually arrange their shoots the Saturday of the same weekend as the MLAGB ones. So, if you have a .451 M/L you can shoot 600-1000 yds depending on the weekend on the Saturday, then the MLAGB match the Sunday. We have shooters come from the Newcastle upon Tyne and the Doncaster area.

Wedgnock ranges are 25m, 50m and 100m

Good luck at the Imperial Historic Arms Meeting. I won't be there this year.

David

David Minshall

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dbm

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Re: 2 Band Volunteer .577" Enfield Musket by
Reply #4 - 07/06/05 at 8:28pm

Quote from dbm on 07/04/05 at 7:01am:

From Bailey and Nie's "English Gunmakers": George William Bales
Colchester. 150 High St. 1850-1870.
Ipswich. Tavern St. 1838; 15 Cornhill 1845-1870. Also archery warehouse.

George William Bales was born in London c.1809. He married Lucretia (born c.1814 at Gosport, Hants.). They had at least five children:

Charles George (c1839-1879)
Jessie (c1844-)
Alice M. (c1847-)
John (c1850-)
William (c1851-)
Frank Alfred (c1854-)

All were born in Ipswich, Suffolk.

In 1861 George William was resident at 15 Cornhill, Ipswich and according to census returns was a gunmaker employing 4 men, 2 apprentices & 1 boy. His son Charles George was also a gunmaker. At 17, in 1871, Frank was a gunmaker at the same address.

Lucretia died in 1878, followed in 1879 by Charles (aged only 40). George William died in 1881.

Frank was still a gunmaker and at the 15 Cornhill address in 1881.

Some more 'padding' to flesh out the family!

David

David Minshall

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Bill_Curtis

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Posts: 137

Re: 2 Band Volunteer .577" Enfield Musket by
Reply #5 - 07/11/05 at 10:31am

An interesting Volunteer rifle clearly intended for target shooting. No-one has commented on the fact that externally it conforms to the 1856 Three Groove Short Rifle while having the superior Five Groove barrel. The presence of a full set of Birmingham Proof Marks overstruck by a full set of London Proof Marks is a cause for speculation.

Bill Curtis

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Research Press › British Firearms (Pre. 1914) › Muzzle Loading - Military Muskets and Rifles

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