Interested in talking to Burnside experts

[BurnsideCavalryRifle]

Anyone that is knowledgeable in the Burnside series of rifles will probably know the answer to this, but I am wondering why the rifle I have has a brass plate on the left side of the stock just behind where the breech and the stock fasten...? I have uploaded a photo that will show you the plate that I am referring to.

My rifle has no cartouche or if it does its very worn and not very visible. The serial # is 15311 in two places, I can't find or see a third.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

It appears to be a purely decorative addition by some owner in history who liked it!
J.

 

[Booner]

When I zoomed in on your photo, it looks like someone inlettted the brass and I appeared there was some very faint letters, or is that my imagination?

 

[BurnsideCavalryRifle]

I do agree that it appears it was inletted, I was originally curious if it was some sort of option for rifles for "military brass?" In retrospect it does appear to have been an afterthought, vs a factory addition...or a poorly added factory one if it was.

I have tried to study the plate from different directions and if there is lettering on it I can't seem to make it out.

 

[BurnsideCavalryRifle]

 

[BurnsideCavalryRifle]

 

[Jobe Holiday]

The proper terminology for your Civil War arm is "Burnside Cavalry Carbine", it is not a Rifle. There were no "factory options or add-ons". These arms were straight up production arms with a total of 5 models by the end of the Civil War.
J.

 

[BurnsideCavalryRifle]

What does the lack of the cartouche tell us about this model, if anything, other than it may not have been inspected by the Govn...?

 

[kevikens]

After the war a number of these arms wound up in civilian hands, actually before the war they were offered to civilians, and its owner may have decide to dress up a bit what was a plain Jane weapon. If the plate was shallowly engraved it may have had the owners' name on it.

 

[rob63]

What does the lack of the cartouche tell us about this model, if anything, other than it may not have been inspected by the Govn...?

The lack of a cartouche doesn't really tell us anything considering the condition of the gun. It may have worn off, or it could have been located where the plate was inlaid.

 

[Booner]

Does it appear that the stock was re-finished at one time? If so, that could have taken off the cartouche
In High school, I once took the stock of a trapdoor Springfield into shop class to re-finish it. I'm so happy the teacher talked me out of that as it would have ruined the gun as far as any collectability.

 

[BurnsideCavalryRifle]

The lack of a cartouche doesn't really tell us anything considering the condition of the gun. It may have worn off, or it could have been located where the plate was inlaid.

I agree, this gun looks like its been through a war! Or two!

 

[BurnsideCavalryRifle]

Does it appear that the stock was re-finished at one time? If so, that could have taken off the cartouche
In High school, I once took the stock of a trapdoor Springfield into shop class to re-finish it. I'm so happy the teacher talked me out of that as it would have ruined the gun as far as any collectability.

Given the dark state of the wood I honestly can't tell if it's been refinished, but it sure could have. If so, my guess is that it was a LONG time ago, all aspects and it's condition, considered.

 

[1842]

Anyone that is knowledgeable in the Burnside series of rifles will probably know the answer to this, but I am wondering why the rifle I have has a brass plate on the left side of the stock just behind where the breech and the stock fasten...? I have uploaded a photo that will show you the plate that I am referring to.

My rifle has no cartouche or if it does its very worn and not very visible. The serial # is 15311 in two places, I can't find or see a third.

Many people would love to have this cavalry carbine. It has seen extensive military combat and sure to have a ton of civil war history.

 

[1842]

View attachment 77795 What does the lack of the cartouche tell us about this model, if anything, other than it may not have been inspected by the Govn...?

The wood has not been messed with and the lack of the cartouche is due to heavy use. Any missing parts, you should be able to find on ebay. I have collected CW weapons for 51 years.

 

[BurnsideCavalryRifle]

Thanks for the input, 1842!

Could you tell me which version of the Burnside this is, 1st thru 5th ?

 

[Scooter22]

It appears to be a 5th, and should have a guide screw on the right side of the frame.