Needs Some Knowledge: 1862 Tower/Enfield

[ChuckPaul]

Now it looks like a Musketoon, 24" barrel I think is what they had

Thank you Sir, any information I can get would be greatly appreciatived. Thank you

 

[ChuckPaul]

Thanks for posting. The Crown with no VR tells me it was made for export and the 25 on the barrel would be for .577. The sights are a mystery and they are NOT original equipment. If you pull the barrel there should be some markings on the bottom of the barrel and a makers mark inside the barrel channel on the stock. Also, as I know they will ask could you post some photos of the butt plate to include the tang. With these muskets I always defer to @Craig L Barry and @Lanyard Puller

Thank you Sir for your insight. I'll post more pictures.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

The 24" "musketoon" alluded to was the Pattern 1853 Artillery Carbine, some of which were purchased by the Confederate Ordnance Board. But; the configuration of @ChuckPaul s Enfield is totally different from the Artillery Pattern..

IMHO it is a cut down P53, assembled long ago from available parts.

 

[ikesdad]

The 24" "musketoon" alluded to was the Pattern 1853 Artillery Carbine, some of which were purchased by the Confederate Ordnance Board. But; the configuration of @ChuckPaul s Enfield is totally different from the Artillery Pattern..

IMHO it is a cut down P53, assembled long ago from available parts.

Agree. The bead front sight makes me think "shotgun", therefore probably smooth bored and no rifling left. There is no nosecap on the stock. I might be wrong, but the "U" on the band was for US arms, not Enfields.

 

[Stone in the wall]

Thank you Sir, any information I can get would be greatly appreciatived. Thank you

Thanks but I'm no expert on this, many other members could give you much better answers

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Your musket started life as a three band P-53 rifle musket, and has since been cut down to two band size. These are most likely post war civilian alterations. The barrel band you have shown, with the "U", is from an American musket.
J.

 

[ChuckPaul]

Thanks for the info...Is the value reduce since it's been cut down. Wondering if i should insure it and if it is reduce can I clean it without affecting the value? Thanks again y'all been Great.

 

[ikesdad]

Value is greatly reduced as a cut down.

 

[ChuckPaul]

Then I can shoot it! which would be great! Love learning about history as a novice metal detector, the past seem like its an excellent 'dos and donts' in life.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Then I can shoot it! which would be great! Love learning about history as a novice metal detector, the past seem like its an excellent 'dos and donts' in life.

I'm not sure I would shoot it until you have a competent gunsmith take a look at it. For one thing the percussion cone is rusted into the bolster, you would not be able to clean it properly if you can't remove the cone.

 

[ChuckPaul]

I'm not sure I would shoot it until you have a competent gunsmith take a look at it. For one thing the percussion cone is rusted into the bolster, you would not be able to clean it properly if you can't remove the cone.

Thanks Craig L. Barry, It's an honor; I read a lot of your articles and respect your knowledge. I can unscrew the percussion cone the photo may not be to clear, she feels good in the hands. But, yes I should taken in and have looked at.

 

[ChuckPaul]

(Percussion cone) It unscrewed by hand which I thought was odd ....

 

[Stone in the wall]

(Percussion cone) It unscrewed by hand which I thought was odd ....

My apologies for giving you false information. I should have kept my mouth shut, and my thanks to our much more informed members who ever so kindly straightened it out.

 

[Ralph Heinz]

It appears to be a much shortened P.53 cut off ahead of the middle barrel band and with no brass nose cap. The "Musketoon" is the name given to the P.58 artillery carbine and this is not one of those nor is it a P.56 short rifle.

If it is bored out to smooth bore -- it's been made into a shotgun by someone many years ago.

 

[ChuckPaul]

It appears to be a much shortened P.53 cut off ahead of the middle barrel band and with no brass nose cap. The "Musketoon" is the name given to the P.58 artillery carbine and this is not one of those nor is it a P.56 short rifle.
smooth bore -- it's been made into a shotgun by someone many years ago.

What are the defining characteristics shotgun versus rifle is it just rifling in the barrel and if it is a smoothbore can I still shoot a Mini-ball or just a musket ball. I have modern shotguns and rifles but I'm confused on the terminology since these is my first percussion firearm ...thanks

 

[Ralph Heinz]

If you can unscrew the cone by hand (no tools) that is a red flag. The threads may be so badly rusted and weakened that the cone could blow out along with the powder charge. Just hang it on the wall.

 

[ChuckPaul]

Ok ....that's good advice thanks for your knowledge..

 

[ChuckPaul]

If you can unscrew the cone by hand (no tools) that is a red flag. The threads may be so badly rusted and weakened that the cone could blow out along with the powder charge. Just hang it on the wall.

I have perfect place for it... maybe I'll look into a replica for some plicking...

 

[Urrikane]

Some more information would be helpful; how long is the barrel ? and the other questions posted by @Ralph Heinz.

The "S&S" stamped inside the lock would be the lock maker, in this case W. Scott & C. Scott, important Birmingham gunsmiths. The other initials are the lock inspector, there were many, and it is if no significance to further ID's.
The stock has been heavily sanded and I'd think most of the marks are long gone.

if I'm not mistaken, the brand of W. Scott & C. Scott is W & C Scott.
S & S should be William Siddons & Sons, gunlock and small parts maker of Whittall Street and 16 St.Mary's Row, Birmingham.

The rifle has a barrel made by the large Manufacturer Henry Clive (1838 to 1869) at 94 Baggott Street, Birmingham

 

[ChuckPaul]

if I'm not mistaken, the brand of W. Scott & C. Scott is W & C Scott.
S & S should be William Siddons & Sons, gunlock and small parts maker of Whittall Street and 16 St.Mary's Row, Birmingham.

The rifle has a barrel made by the large Manufacturer Henry Clive (1838 to 1869) at 94 Baggott Street, Birmingham[/QUOTEThank you Sir

Thank you Sir, excellent informative l appreciate very much. God Speed.