Enfield Rifle Tompion for Enfield Rifle, dug at Fredericksburg Battlefield

This is another nice item being offered, it is the remains of an Enfield rifle tompion. The cylindrical device has a brass top cap with an inner metal shank. Originally, it would have been wrapped with cork, but being dug there is only a small piece left with some string. These devices were utilized to plug the muzzle of the Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-muskets to keep dirt and moisture out of the barrel. It was recovered years ago on the Fredericksburg, Virginia Battlefield.

On November 14, 1862, Union General Ambrose Burnside sent a corps to occupy the vicinity of Falmouth near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Lee reacted by entrenching his army on the heights behind the town. On December 13, after pontoon bridges were laid, Union forces crossed the Rappahannock River under fire.

Burnside mounted a series of futile frontal assaults on Prospect Hill and Marye's Heights that resulted in staggering casualties. On December 15, Burnside called off the offensive and recrossed the river, ending the failed campaign.

In my book “Battle of Gettysburg – The Relics, Artifacts & Souvenirs”, I show one of these tompions which came out of Lee’s Headquarters Museum in Gettysburg (see pictures). It is in nice dug condition, and it comes in the glass top display case pictured.