I've spent countless hours over the last few weeks trying to research a Tower Enfield I bought from a friend of a friend. Actually many of those hours I enjoyed getting purposely side-tracked, re-learning some of our history that had become fuzzy in my mind and adding quite a bit of new information. The internet can be an amazing source of information, but can also make you want to pull your hair out. I don't want to pull out any more of the little hair I have left, so I'm asking for help with the identification.
Here are the details:
P-1853 - 1862 Tower Enfield Type 3/3band
Dimensions:
Overall Length - 55"
Barrel Length - 39"
Markings:
Lockplate:
Stamped Crown and Tower 1862 on the outside. I. Marson stamped on inside lockplate (See Pics).
Barrel:
Pair of 25's with an illegible symbol in between. (These are typical proof marks from what I understand).
Also present to the right of these marks is an R and at least one other letter that is mostly worn off. (See Pics.)
(I have been trying to remove the barrel to check for additional markings but it is "hung up" about mid length on the stock. The first half of the barrel will lift up as will the 2nd half, but a section in the middle will not come out of the stock. I have not tried to force it out as I don't want to risk damaging the stock.
Stock:
A small stamp with the letters JMJS is in the wood of the stock under the trigger guard to the rear of the trigger. (Although the letters are difficult, the first two, JM are fairly clear, the third is a little less clear, but I'm pretty sure its a J and the last is the most difficult to read, but it appears to be an S.) (See Pics.)
A number 7 is stamped by itself close to the JMJS stamp but possibly "upside down' as compared to the JMJS stamp. (see pics).
On the toe of the stock next to the buttplate is a crown over what appears to be S H over what appears to be C 1 (see pics).
The stock also bears the stamp of John Marson. (See pics.)
I can't see any additional markings on the stock.
I have not been able to see any additional markings, stamps, inscriptions, names, artwork, letters or numbers on the weapon.
The person I purchased the Enfield from is not able to provide any useful information that would help in identifying it or its history.
Please let me know if you need any additional info, pictures, etc. and I will do my best to provide whatever it is that you need.
It is missing all three barrel bands, the front sling swivel, the mainspring and the ramrod. If I end up selling it, should I find replacement parts (original or reproduction) before listing it? Any suggestions as to the best place to purchase the parts?
If I choose to sell it (I hate to sell any firearms, especially one of such historical significance, but my financial situation , any opinions as to potential value, best way to sell it?
Thank you very much for your help.
Here are the details:
P-1853 - 1862 Tower Enfield Type 3/3band
Dimensions:
Overall Length - 55"
Barrel Length - 39"
Markings:
Lockplate:
Stamped Crown and Tower 1862 on the outside. I. Marson stamped on inside lockplate (See Pics).
Barrel:
Pair of 25's with an illegible symbol in between. (These are typical proof marks from what I understand).
Also present to the right of these marks is an R and at least one other letter that is mostly worn off. (See Pics.)
(I have been trying to remove the barrel to check for additional markings but it is "hung up" about mid length on the stock. The first half of the barrel will lift up as will the 2nd half, but a section in the middle will not come out of the stock. I have not tried to force it out as I don't want to risk damaging the stock.
Stock:
A small stamp with the letters JMJS is in the wood of the stock under the trigger guard to the rear of the trigger. (Although the letters are difficult, the first two, JM are fairly clear, the third is a little less clear, but I'm pretty sure its a J and the last is the most difficult to read, but it appears to be an S.) (See Pics.)
A number 7 is stamped by itself close to the JMJS stamp but possibly "upside down' as compared to the JMJS stamp. (see pics).
On the toe of the stock next to the buttplate is a crown over what appears to be S H over what appears to be C 1 (see pics).
The stock also bears the stamp of John Marson. (See pics.)
I can't see any additional markings on the stock.
I have not been able to see any additional markings, stamps, inscriptions, names, artwork, letters or numbers on the weapon.
The person I purchased the Enfield from is not able to provide any useful information that would help in identifying it or its history.
Please let me know if you need any additional info, pictures, etc. and I will do my best to provide whatever it is that you need.
It is missing all three barrel bands, the front sling swivel, the mainspring and the ramrod. If I end up selling it, should I find replacement parts (original or reproduction) before listing it? Any suggestions as to the best place to purchase the parts?
If I choose to sell it (I hate to sell any firearms, especially one of such historical significance, but my financial situation , any opinions as to potential value, best way to sell it?
Thank you very much for your help.