Help Identifying this Rifle

[RickPA]

Hello! I'm looking for help ID'ing a musket that's been hanging on a family wall for years. The lockplate has "TRENTON" under the eagle and "1864" behind the hammer. I understand this to mean it's a Springfield manufactured under contract at the Trenton Locomotive and Machine Company. There is also a name stamped in the wood that could be "HODGE" along with various other markings. I'm confused by the 1864 date because the bolster has a clean out screw (missing). From what I read this was eliminated in the 1863 model. So, my question is do I have a Model 1861 that was made in 1864?

Sorry, pics a little blurry. Thanks for any help

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

yes, you have an 1861 model made in 1864.
The Springfield Armory update to make the Model 1863 - but the many contractors, they were hired to make the 1861 model, they had spent money and time to set up machinery to make the model 1861, and so long as they had contracts to make the model 1861s, they kept making model 1861s!

 

[UCVRelics]

According to Norm Flayderman Trenton Locomotive & Machine Co, Trenton, New Jersey, produced 11,495 muskets under a subcontract. You will find them with a 63 & 64 date.

 

[RickPA]

Thanks for the quick replies. Is the 1864 date indicative of it actually having been in the war? I seem to remember reading that and there is no "NJ" stamp. It's a cool piece sadly pitted on the exposed metal but the underside of the barrel is beautiful as is the wood.

 

[CowCavalry]

Looks like an Enfield ramrod in the top photo.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy. Has seen usage as evident by black powder erosion.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome Rick, from South Florida and the Reenactors Forum

 

[Adam1stVa]

Looks like an Enfield ramrod in the top photo.

Yea, but where's the slot? Can't even see evidence of it. The camera angle. I'm not surprised at this ramrod being on this rifle. It was the best designed ramrod of the lot.

 

[Craig L Barry]

No doubt one of the frustrating aspects of the US 1861 contracts for the US Government was how long it took contractors to begin deliveries. The very first contractor deliveries of finished arms were not until 1862 and only a couple at that...I think Jenks (Bridesburg) was one maker and maybe Sarson & Roberts (New York) that delivered anything in any appreciable quantities by late 1862. Most contractor made US 1861s were dated 1863 and 1864 and not delivered until then. So in other words the US model 1863/4 was already in production at the Springfield Armory while private contractors were still delivering large quantities of US 1861s. Also, the US Government was still entering into new contracts for US 1861s well into 1864.

 

[CowCavalry]

Yea, but where's the slot? Can't even see evidence of it. The camera angle. I'm not surprised at this ramrod being on this rifle. It was the best designed ramrod of the lot.

If the ramrod was turned 1/4 turn, we would see the slot.