M1842 musket markings

[Model1841rifle]

I recently picked up an original M1842 Springfield musket. It has one cartouche, barely visible in the photo, but also the #4 stamped in the wood just above the side plate. Has anyone seen this marking or have any information on it. Thanks!

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I don't think this will give any clues, but what is the date on the lockplate? and on the barrel, if visible?
Still a smoothbore, or has it been rifled?
I assume no other "non-standard" markings you've seen on this?

 

[Model1841rifle]

I don't think this will give any clues, but what is the date on the lockplate? and on the barrel, if visible?
Still a smoothbore, or has it been rifled?
I assume no other "non-standard" markings you've seen on this?

1849 date on the lock plate. Yes, still smoothbore. No other markings except those where they should be.

 

[Model1841rifle]

I don't think this will give any clues, but what is the date on the lockplate? and on the barrel, if visible?
Still a smoothbore, or has it been rifled?
I assume no other "non-standard" markings you've seen on this?

 

[RSMorris]

I would think a unit or entity would stamp theirs in the same place on all of them. Look for other M1842's and see if there are other numbers stamped in the same place and in the same font. The interwebs are full of pics of everything. You may start to see a pattern after a while and be able to narrow it down. I collect a certain type and bought one that has a 3 stamped between the rear sight and the receiver. I have since found 5 more with numbers stamped in the same place and what appears to be the same font.

 

[JimW]

My smoothbore Springfield dated 1853

 

[R. Porter]

Rack numbers?

 

[RSMorris]

My smoothbore Springfield dated 1853


View attachment 568204

Well there you go, same font also.

 

[Model1841rifle]

My smoothbore Springfield dated 1853


View attachment 568204

Definitely in the same area as mine, and I would assume for the same purpose, now to figure out what!

 

[Conquerordie]

I vote rack number.

 

[James Brenner]

I agree that it's probably a rack number, but what I find curious is its placement on the stock. I don't recall seeing one on the flat like that; the ones I remember were on the buttstock above the buttplate tang.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I agree that it's probably a rack number, but what I find curious is its placement on the stock. I don't recall seeing one on the flat like that; the ones I remember were on the buttstock above the buttplate tang.

You are correct that above the buttplate location would be visible when looking at a row of muskets stored lined up in a rack. But I've seen similar markings on the flat; I know I own one enfield with A over 34 in similar font on the flat.