My first rifle purchase

[MWood1841]

I finally decided to take a jump and purchased my first antique rifle. I've posted on here before about just now starting to get into collecting and I learn alot from all of you. Even the book recommendations. I picked this up for $800. I've had a couple fellas I know with solid backgrounds on collecting take a look at it, and they say it appears to be a legit 1862 Tower, minus the ramrod they say is not correct (for a springfield?) I see no other markings on this gun, other than the 25 stamps on the barrel. Was hoping to find an JS anchor stamp on the stock, but none such exists after looking it over closely.
I plan on hanging it in my small library above my OR books.
Would appreciate any feedback. Being my first buy, was just hoping I didnt get bamboozled and possibility it is a legit CW firearm. I did not take it apart to look at the internals.

 

[JackADriscoll]

It's very nice. The 25 denotes the caliber which is .577 I believe. The price you paid is on the high median of the ranges I see but it's a very nice example. Give it a light cleaning and oil. I may even disassemble it for the cleaning before hanging it if you feel confident

 

[Old Soldier]

A good one for the Confederates. Incorrect ramrod though - not unusual. That one is a Springfield type. They were the first things to get lost, especially on the battlefield. The muzzle looks smoothbore, but I see rifling further down so probably a rust-clearance job overdone. Never mind, it is a start, look after it.

 

[Conquerordie]

I think you did good. I learned here that 1862 dated Enfields are the most common found. The rammer is a Springfield, but you can find originals or quality repros from Lodgewood. It's been unbreeched at some point, maybe during, maybe after the war.

Look for assemblers marks on the parts. They appear like \/||, slashes that are on each part. Since these were hand fitted and not interchangeable, assemblers marked the parts to keep them all together during fitting and assembly. The stocks might be in the barrel channel or ramrod channel. Mine has the marks on every piece but the rammer. It was fun to look for them. Also will prove that all the parts are original to the gun.

The only thing that stands out is the lack of shrinkage at the toe of the stock. It's just one of those things my eye goes to when I look at Enfields. Doesn't mean there is anything wrong with it, just a lot of them have shrinkage at this point.

Hit it with some Kramer's for a few months and enjoy. Nothing about it says Confederate or Union to me, could have been used by either. But most certainly where for the show. Now that you've started, you'll have to collect more, trust me!

 

[scooter748driver]

A solid first purchase. Congratulations!

 

[bayonet]

I'd say you did good at $800, now get a time period bayonet for it before you throw it up on the wall!

 

[MRB1863]

Nice acquisition! Nah, I'm not the least bit jealous......hehehe....well, maybe a trifle. Hint: My birthday is in October.

 

[MWood1841]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Will eventually get around to giving it a good cleaning and perhaps may be tempted to see if she'll talk again with some triple F.

 

[Papabyrd]

Very good I do not think you got hurt on this deal. If you look on Gun Broker or Guns America. One in this condition
is usually over a thousand. Have fun cleaning it up and hunting for makers names

 

[Trooper "D"]

I finally decided to take a jump and purchased my first antique rifle. I've posted on here before about just now starting to get into collecting and I learn alot from all of you. Even the book recommendations. I picked this up for $800. I've had a couple fellas I know with solid backgrounds on collecting take a look at it, and they say it appears to be a legit 1862 Tower, minus the ramrod they say is not correct (for a springfield?) I see no other markings on this gun, other than the 25 stamps on the barrel. Was hoping to find an JS anchor stamp on the stock, but none such exists after looking it over closely.
I plan on hanging it in my small library above my OR books.
Would appreciate any feedback. Being my first buy, was just hoping I didnt get bamboozled and possibility it is a legit CW firearm. I did not take it apart to look at the internals.View attachment 550555View attachment 550556View attachment 550557View attachment 550558View attachment 550559View attachment 550560View attachment 550561View attachment 550562View attachment 550563View attachment 550564View attachment 550565View attachment 550566View attachment 550567

I think it's a good deal. Replace the ramrod and sling swivel. I think those folks who have all the weapons from that armory in Nepal or whatever have original ones available. Nice find. Now clean it up. Preserve that wood.
Cheers!