^Lot 4050 405RARE "HAY PATTERN MEDIUM" ENFIELD RIFLE MUSKET.

Cal. 577. S# 650. 51.5" overall, 36" Birmingham proofed 25 gauge barrel, "ISAAC HOLLIS & SONS / MAKERS TO / HER MAJESTY'S WAR DEPARTMENT" marked lock, brass furniture, 3 clamping iron barrel bands. Hay pattern was mid length barrel experiment made by British Ordnance officer, Colonel Charles Crawford Hay in late 1850s. This pattern was never adopted by the British military, but New Zealand purchased 5000 from Hollis in 1864 but they are usually stamped NZ and numbered. This musket does have "650" stamped in wood opposite lock. This pattern was supposed to be the most accurate of all 1853 pattern arms. This is rare opportunity to find an honest "Hay Pattern Medium" Enfield rifle musket, circa 1861. CONDITION: very good overall, dark patinaed iron & brass, complete & original other than added Martini ramrod. Stock is sound and well fit, checkered wrist & forestock has hand worn patina, mechanically fine, good dark bore. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of John "Jack" Dhooghe. (01-28238/JS). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.