1862 Tower question

[roddman]

I have an 1862 Tower with no markings that I can see on the butt plate or stock. It does, however have the number 206 stamped on end of the barrel, see photo. Can anyone tell me the origin or purpose of this number?

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

Youi will have to post photographs of all parts of this interesting rifle-musket to have any chance of an informed answer.

 

[JOHN42768]

I have an 1862 Tower with no markings that I can see on the butt plate or stock. It does, however have the number 206 stamped on end of the barrel, see photo. Can anyone tell me the origin or purpose of this number?

View attachment 508619

Welcome, enjoy. Number might be a rack number, but as stated more photos needed

 

[roddman]

A'dd 1862 Tower photos

 

[JackADriscoll]

Pretty gun. Anything on the wood or butt plate? Look carefully they can be evasive

 

[roddman]

Pretty gun. Anything on the wood or butt plate? Look carefully they can be evasive

Try as I might, I cannot find any stamps or engravings on either the stock or the butt plate.

 

[roddman]

Youi will have to post photographs of all parts of this interesting rifle-musket to have any chance of an informed answer.

Have posted add'l photos. Any others you particularly need?

 

[Conquerordie]

Looks like someone in the past got overzealous with cleaning the metal and wood. Anything on the stock might have been obliterated. There is something else at the breech on the flat opposite the lock. Can't make it out.

 

[roddman]

Looks like someone in the past got overzealous with cleaning the metal and wood. Anything on the stock might have been obliterated. There is something else at the breech on the flat opposite the lock. Can't make it out.

Initials H H are incised in the wood

 

[Conquerordie]

Sorry I meant stamps that could have denoted the stock maker or export stamps that might have given you an idea as to its history. Incised carving will certainly survive cleanings like your stock has had. I can make out an upper see T across from the nipple.

 

[Old Soldier]

It is a typical civilian P53 - bought in and issued to both sides. The number on the barrel tang is a post-manufacture stamping. It was usually done for a rebuild/overhaul to identify the various parts of the rifle. These civvy P53s were not always 'to pattern' and parts were not always interchangable, hence the need to stamp the main components to ensure they could be reassembled.
A photo of the breech area would show proof marks and which area it originated in. Disassembly could also identify the gunmaker and even the contractors supplying the various components. Stock stamps that often escape are the (Confederate) stamp behind the rear of the trigger guard tang or the (Union) cartouches on the flat opposite the lock. Annother 'goodie' is the occasional stockmaker's stamp inside the ramrod slot!