Guess That Artifact! Oct 9 Answer
Did you guess Enfield Rifle? If so, you are correct!
During the Civil War, this British-made Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle was mostly used by the Confederate Army. It was a very accurate, well-made gun, and the ammunition was interchangeable. This particular gun came from the wreck of Modern Greece off Fort Fisher and is missing most of its iron parts, including the percussion lock and barrel. The remaining iron has continued to rust and the wood cracked as it dried out, all results of water damage. If you encounter an artifact in the water, its best to leave it where it is and contact an archaeologist. Stay tuned for a blog on archaeological conservation!