Help Identifying This Find (Maybe Impossible)

[Sheltowee]

After capturing Cynthiana, Ky on June 11, 1864, JH Morgan attacked the 171st Ohio at Keller's Bridge. The Buckeyes were forced to surrender after being trapped in a meander of the Licking River.

This item was mag fished from the river. Not much to work with- but was wondering if any of the experts find enough remaining to ID this gun. Yeah- it's a crazy request.

Can only assume it is CW, as it was found at the battle site. Appreciate any guidance.

 

[BrianB]

Can you provide any measurement? Even broken off, length might be a clue. Is it possible to measure the bore? Again, even damaged, an estimate of the bore size might provide some clue.

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

M1841 Mississippi Rifle?

 

[Sheltowee]

Can you provide any measurement? Even broken off, length might be a clue. Is it possible to measure the bore? Again, even damaged, an estimate of the bore size might provide some clue.

Don't have access to the gun- a coworker pulled it from the river. Wish it was mine.

 

[captaindrew]

Looks like a M42 top and middle band to me. Measurements including the diameter of the barrel would definitely help ID it.

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

Don't have access to the gun- a coworker pulled it from the river. Wish it was mine.

Is it possible to get him to measure the diameter of the bore?

 

[UCVRelics]

Looks like a good candidate for an electrolysis bath.

 

[debwallsmith]

Rule of thumb for artifact identifications, include something - a coin, a ruler, a banana - for scale. Size is important.

 

[Old Soldier]

The upper band incorporates a foresight. This is typical of most French and US muskets, smoothbore and rifles up to 1840. The Mississsippi rifle (M1841) did not have the foresight on the band. Measurements may not help too much due to corrosion.

This one is on the FRONT of the upper band. The M1816, M1822 and M1835 foresight was on the BACK of the top band, like the Charleville (Mlle 1777) but the M1840 and M1842 was on the FRONT! (BTW - the earlier muskets had a bayonet lug UNDER the barrel while the later ones had the lug on the TOP of the barrel, The foresight remained on the upper band.)