Help with Lock ID

[Murph58]

Okay, I guess that puts the lid on it. Thank you Old Soldier and the others for the help. Not sure if I will put the second musket on the forum. I don't think it has any Civil War connection although it came with the 1853. I cannot find one mark of any kind on it.

 

[Murph58]

Decided to post some pictures of the second musket that was purchased at auction. My apologies that it may not be related to the Civil War but it was with the gun above. I find no marks or proofs at all. The only thing I see that is unique is the first 8 1/2" of the 30 in. bbl. The entire gun is only roughly 46" long. Any possibilities of identification would be appreciated.

 

[Murph58]

Just got word about the 1853 musket. I had called the realtor of the property that had the auction to try and find out if she could contact the owner of the musket and find out any info. She was nice enough to do so and called me back today. The owner said both guns were found in his grandfathers attic many years ago in Franklin County Pennsylvania. Thats all he knew about the guns.

 

[Rogge]

The Enfield was a Birmingham-made civilian P1853 (long rifle) with a 25-bore (.577) caliber. Any confederate acceptance markings would be on the wood behind the trigger guard, but the condition of the stock is rather poor. Given the date, it would be one of the first imports, probably for the Confederates. Any markings on the top strap of the butt plate?

Do you mean that you have to remove the trigger guard to see marks or behind the guard on the Wood?

 

[Old Soldier]

Do you mean that you have to remove the trigger guard to see marks or behind the guard on the Wood?

No. 'Behind' as in on the lower part of the butt AFTER the trigger guard:

 

[Rogge]

No. 'Behind' as in on the lower part of the butt AFTER the trigger guard:
View attachment 504280

Ok thanks , dont think mine has anything there

 

[Old Soldier]

Ok thanks , dont think mine has anything there

Something to look for next time.

 

[Rogge]

No. 'Behind' as in on the lower part of the butt AFTER the trigger guard:
View attachment 504280

Hmm there is something there but i dont know what it is?

 

[Old Soldier]

Hmm there is something there but i dont know what it is?

View attachment 504282

The crown and letters/numbers is usually an inspectors mark - applied at just that point to say that it was up to spec. It is NOT a acceptance mark - ie accepted into service. By 1860, Enfield was the main source for government small arms and the only sub-contractor was the London Armoury Company (LAC). Before this it was sub-contracted out to civilian gunmakers - 'TOWER', etc. Some of the civilian P53s shipped to both sides were made with surplus parts made by civilian sub-contractors left over from these older contracts, so will bear these inspectors marks, but they were never a proper 'service' rifle.