1842 Springfield Markings Question

[GF97]

I have an 1842 Springfield made in 47 that was rifled but not sighted. I've been looking over the thing for markings and have some curiosities. I am admittedly jumping from WW1 back to the civil war in arms collecting so I definitely have lots to learn on the detail side. There are very small M's stamped on the butt plate, side plate, and trigger housing. I also found on the breech plug a GA stamped into the back if it along with other small letters around the barrel and plug. Is it known what any of these mean or am I asking too much with the documentation that exists from that era?

 

[JackADriscoll]

Pictures please and we'll decipher it

 

[JOHN42768]

Most likely factory inspector markings

 

[GF97]

The M on the side plate is hard to see but it is so small my camera can't do any better. The M is the same size and font on the three parts that I originally mentioned though. The M also appears to be on the breech plug near the tang.

 

[scooter748driver]

Agree. Inspection/inspector stamps.

 

[R. Porter]

Somebody scratched an "X" on the lock bolt plate.

 

[iron bender]

Great eyes R Porter! I kept looking at the x on the barrel wondering what you were talking about. Love some GI art!

 

[GF97]

Somebody scratched an "X" on the lock bolt plate.

Good eye indeed! There are also initials carved in the buttstock with a tiny x between them (JxB), maybe the same guy.