1862 Tower Musket

[WallyMoon]

I purchased this Tower 1862 Musket from an Antique Shop in Texas. The guy that sold the gun was the son of the owner, who passed away a few weeks ago. The son had no clue how much to sell the gun. I just gave him an offer and he accepted it. The son was just trying to get rid of all his stuff. Can someone give

me an idea what it's worth and does it have most of the original parts if you can tell from the photos

 

[Craig L Barry]

OK, the condition is not great, but apparently you didn't pay a lot from what you said. One thing is puzzling me... what is that addition to the back of the thumbspur (hammer) all about?

 

[Conquerordie]

I think that back spur is actually a casting spru. Looks like one on the bottom of the hammer as well. Maybe the former owner was restoring it? The hammer looks like a casting to me that is not polished

 

[WallyMoon]

I think that back spur is actually a casting spru. Looks like one on the bottom of the hammer as well. Maybe the former owner was restoring it? The hammer looks like a casting to me that is not polished

I know very little about these guns, just read what I can about them. I paid $350 because I really didn't know how much it was worth.

 

[MarkTK36thIL]

Definitely agree to the casting sprue. Probably a Rifle Shoppe replacement. Any stampings in the wood by the buttplate or trigger guard?

It's an honest example, probably in the $800-900 range for someone that wants a been-there-did-that example.

 

[WallyMoon]

Definitely agree to the casting sprue. Probably a Rifle Shoppe replacement. Any stampings in the wood by the buttplate or trigger guard?

It's an honest example, probably in the $800-900 range for someone that wants a been-there-did-that example.

That makes me feel better to know its at least worth $800. I will pass it on to my grandson some day.

 

[WallyMoon]

That makes me feel better to know its at least worth $800. I will pass it on to my grandson some day.

The only stamp is close to butt plate - Birmingham Small Arms Trade

 

[frontrank2]

If only it could talk. A nice old musket, good pickup.

 

[johan_steele]

At $350 you did quite well. If you are looking at any kind of restoration I would suggest either Lodgewood or Todd Watts; both are more than able to work wonders with her. Fixing the flash on the hammer would be easy enough as would be acquiring a rear sight and sling swivels. A few treatments with Kramer's Best would go a long way in making her look better and stabilizing the wood.

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Kramer's Best Antique Improver - the natural way for wood. Truly unique product cleans, restores, preserves, protects using old-recipe ingredients. Restores old finishes and wood, final finish for new or stripped wood. Stops rust on iron and painted tins. Use on furniture, woodwork, guns, tools...

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[WallyMoon]

At $350 you did quite well. If you are looking at any kind of restoration I would suggest either Lodgewood or Todd Watts; both are more than able to work wonders with her. Fixing the flash on the hammer would be easy enough as would be acquiring a rear sight and sling swivels. A few treatments with Kramer's Best would go a long way in making her look better and stabilizing the wood.

Welcome to Lodgewood Mfg - Fine Antique Arms, Parts, and Gunsmithing

Sign in - Google Accounts

Kramers Home Page - Antiques restoration, preservation product

Kramer's Best Antique Improver - the natural way for wood. Truly unique product cleans, restores, preserves, protects using old-recipe ingredients. Restores old finishes and wood, final finish for new or stripped wood. Stops rust on iron and painted tins. Use on furniture, woodwork, guns, tools...

kramerize.com

Thanks for the recommendations and I appreciate everyone who responded.

 

[WallyMoon]

Would this musket be named a Enfield Tower 1862 Musket? or something else.

 

[Kyle Kalasnik]

Sweet piece! Has that "been there, done that" look.

 

[johan_steele]

Would this musket be named a Enfield Tower 1862 Musket? or something else.

It was known as the Pattern 1853 rifle musket or P53 for short as well as the Enfield even though few if any that came to the US/CS were made at Enfield.

 

[bayonet]

I think that back spur is actually a casting spru. Looks like one on the bottom of the hammer as well. Maybe the former owner was restoring it? The hammer looks like a casting to me that is not polished

Wonder why they didn't remove that spur on the hammer before mounting on the gun? That nipple has to go to. Several dealers of original parts out there to restore the whole gun to its original condition and not pay a lot.

 

[redbob]

The fact that you got an Enfield bayonet that actually fits the rifle is a real plus.

 

[Old Soldier]

It's title is: Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle Musket Type 3. It was made for civilian (Volunteer) use, so carries standard civilian proof stamps and the '25' (25-bore) for that proofing and no VR under the crown. Type 3 because it has equal sized bands with screws which are not inset and takes the broader ramrod. In addition, the forward stock cap is screwed on (you can just see the filed down screw) It is typical of the bought-in Enfields supplied to both sides.

It is ideal for restoration - mainly because of it's condition - but do not expect too much. The wood looks good. These usually go for $800 - $1,000. Warning - it suffers from a typical stock crack towards the rear pin cap. Be careful you do not make it worse by tightening the rear lock pin screw. It will benefit from glue and clamping. A 'real' original Enfield hammer can be bought for about $80 and I suspect the nipple is a repro one (in metric!). Originals of those are also available. It is missing the two sling swivels at top band and trigger guard too.