Description

Deactivated 2-Band Enfield Rifle (1868 Dated) – Obsolete Calibre Collectable

This deactivated 2-band Enfield rifle, dated 1868, is a superb example of British firearms history. Manufactured in the mid-Victorian era, this percussion rifle was widely issued to the military and later used by colonial forces across the Empire. Chambered in an obsolete calibre, it is fully legal to own in the UK without a licence, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors, historians and enthusiasts of 19th-century weaponry.

Historical Significance

The 2-band Enfield was a shortened version of the standard 3-band rifle-musket, designed for sergeants, artillery units and specialised troops who required a more compact yet accurate firearm. By 1868, the Enfield rifle had already earned a reputation for its reliability, accuracy and rugged construction, becoming one of the most famous British service rifles of the 19th century.

This particular example, with its clear 1868 date stamp, captures the transitional period of British military firearms, bridging the gap between the percussion muzzle-loaders of the early 1800s and the breech-loading rifles that would dominate later decades.

Key Features of the Deactivated 2-Band Enfield (1868):

• Authentic Enfield percussion rifle, 2-band configuration

• Dated 1868 – a genuine Victorian-era firearm

• Obsolete calibre – legal to own in the UK without a licence

• Retains period features such as iron fittings, ramrod, and wooden stock

• Ideal for display, collection, or historical interpretation

Collectable Value

As an obsolete calibre rifle, this deactivated 2-band Enfield is legally accessible to collectors while offering incredible historical value. Its Victorian military heritage, combined with the 1868 date, makes it an excellent centrepiece for any collection of 19th-century British firearms. It appeals not only to gun collectors but also to museums, re-enactors and enthusiasts of British military history.

Why Collect the 2-Band Enfield Rifle?

• A genuine piece of British Victorian history

• Highly collectable and increasingly rare in dated condition

• Fully legal to own in the UK under obsolete calibre exemption

• A perfect addition to any collection of deactivated rifles or Enfield firearms

• Attractive for display due to its historic craftsmanship and military design

Conclusion – A Timeless Victorian Collectable

The deactivated 2-band Enfield rifle (1868 dated) stands as a testament to British military innovation in the 19th century. Compact, reliable, and historically important, it offers collectors an authentic link to the era of Empire and the evolution of small arms. For those seeking a deactivated Enfield rifle for sale in the UK, this example delivers both historical authenticity and lasting collectable value.