1861 Tower/Crown Import? Lock, Looking for information...

[researchmore]

Hello again,
Basically, I'm checking the information about this, and to find out what everyone knows about this lock. Besides it's a 1861 Tower Crown, and maybe an import from back in the day. There are two marks, one might be a "5" or symbol, and the other a "K.H.", or "H.H.".

Thank you!

 

[Ralph Heinz]

You have a complete lock for a Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle. The date it was made was 1861 -- this is not a model number and the word TOWER is on all of these lock plates regardless of who made them. The crown is also standard on these lock plates. These were imported by the hundreds of thousands to arm both sides in the ACW. The initials R. H. may have been an inspector -- (ironically they happen to be my initials also). Some of these lock plates have a maker's name stamped on the inside over the main spring.

 

[UCVRelics]

@Package4 is spot on. The Tower marking is a reference to the Tower of London. A lot of these had the lock plate makers name stamped on the inside of the plate. Nice Piece as it was an import but without the barrel and its markings which side imported it is lost to time.

 

[ikesdad]

This probably should be moved to the weapons forum. Many more can see it there.

 

[Larryh86GT]

I see the design on the hammer is different than the 1862 dated one I have. Were there a lot of different
designs?

 

[mofederal]

Thank you for the information on the Enfield locks @Ralph Heinz. I should have known that, but I didn't.

 

[Cpl. Smith]

Cool lock!! You planin on makeing anything with it?

 

[captaindrew]

I see the design on the hammer is different than the 1862 dated one I have. Were there a lot of different
designs?
View attachment 188436

The engravings on the hammer did differ slightly depending on the maker, some didn't have any engraving

 

[captaindrew]

A very nice lock!

 

[Cpl. Smith]

The engravings on the hammer did differ slightly depending on the maker, some didn't have any engraving

I didn't know that.

 

[JOHN42768]

Try this site http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/articles/walden/enfauth.htm Might be of interest