Can Anyone Identify This Hammer?

[S. Buckles]

I recently purchased a Garibaldi that had this hammer. From other Garibaldi's I've examined, this appears to be a replacement. However, I have never seen a Civil War hammer quite like this one. I'm hoping someone can identify it. Thanks!

 

[Old Soldier]

That is what it should look like - it is itself a conversion from a tube lock mechanism. The 'Garibaldi' was originally an Austrian tubelock musket - the Augustin. These were used in the various Italian Unification Wars in the late 1840s and 1850s. The conversion was to make them take standard caps. Apparently the hammers are - were - hard to get hold of so any replacement would do. It may even be a local forging. The hammer does not look like a standard one from an Austrian Lorenz rifle, but these vary too.

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

To my eye your hammer is from a Special Model 1861 Rifle Musket.

 

[Conquerordie]

Might have been filed a little, but I agree with Grayrock Volunteer.

 

[S. Buckles]

Thanks, Greyrock and Conquerordie. I will try to attach a better photo of the hammer. The "base" of the hammer is flat with rounded edges. So, it could be from a Special Model 1861 Rifled Musket, but filed to eliminate sharp edges. Additionally, there are no markings on the hammer whatsoever.

 

[S. Buckles]

Attached (hopefully) are a couple more scans of the hammer. Hope these help!

 

[Old Soldier]

To my eye your hammer is from a Special Model 1861 Rifle Musket.

Quite likely. The Colt Special model 1861 is basically a P53 with US woodwork and no band springs. The hammer and lock plate are unadorned - no engraving or marks. The only thing I see different is the screw indentation (the P53 does not have one), however there were other small scale contractors for the Colt Special.

 

[S. Buckles]

Thanks Old Soldier.

 

[James Brenner]

Is there any cross hatching on the thumb piece? If so, is it in the shape of a shield?

 

[Patio]

Does the hammer correctly strike the nipple to fire the cap? Will the rifle function with the existing hammer?

 

[S. Buckles]

James and "Patio," there are cross-hatching marks on the thumb piece, but not in the shape of a shield. The hammer does strike the nipple to fire the musket. Thanks!