This is a Pattern 1856 Tower Enfield Cavalry Carbine produced by Barnett of London.  Caliber .577 Lock is marked Barnett over London with a Crown over the word "Tower" behind the hammer.  The barrel has London proofs on the left side. This was probably built in 1861 or 1862.  I've read the London-based firm of Barnett had a contract with the Confederate Government early in the war according to the book, Confederate Longarms & Pistols by Hill & Anthony. Furthermore, the Enfield Cavalry carbine was almost exclusively purchased by the Confederacy during the war.  This gun has quite a number of interesting markings starting with the initials "JH" on the left side of the buttstock.  In front of the buttplate tang is the marking "SP" within a circle.  The left side of the stock behind the saddle ring sling bar is marked "I.C." while the saddle bar itself is marked "T&CG".  This carbine is all complete with the exception of the rear sight....these were only soldered in place and having seen so many of these missing from these carbines, I am beginning to wonder if Confederate cavalry units lost these from sliding through their scabbards or intentionally removed them.   Metal looks fairly good and still somewhat sharp having turned mostly to a silvery grey with some light pitting around the bolster area.  Nice markings throughout.  Brass hardware with iron bands.  Wood is in very good condition with nice fit around the metal.  Nice action and good bore.  Most of these saw very hard use during the War...this is well above avg. for a P56. 

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