Plates on musket

[major bill]

The Michigan History museum pulled a bunch of stuff out of deep storage some time ago and put them in a temporary exhibit' Can anyone read the writing on the plate to the left? This musket belonged to the 1st Michigan Engineers. I am not sure if the plates were added during the Civil War or after. Yes, the musket has seen better days. This musket will probably not see the light of day for another 50-100 years.

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

It may be Clifton.

 

[major bill]

Than you Grayrock Volunteer. I have some doubts that many muskets had these added during the war.

 

[UCVRelics]

I agree Clifton

 

[treebie2000]

Check this out:
http://www.migenweb.org/michiganinthewar/engineers/1engd.htm

1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics
COMPANY D
Clifton, Charles W. Grand Rapids 23
Clifton, Isaac W. Grand Rapids 26

 

[major bill]

Check this out:
http://www.migenweb.org/michiganinthewar/engineers/1engd.htm

1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics
COMPANY D
Clifton, Charles W. Grand Rapids 23
Clifton, Isaac W. Grand Rapids 26

Very interesting. The Grand Rapids History Museum should see if the Michigan History Museum is will to deal on this relic. The musket is interesting for the plates, but I would call it in relic condition.

 

[major bill]

For those unaware, the Michigan History Museum probably put less than 10% of their holdings on display. The remaining items are in warehouses and will never be seen by the public. Still getting to tour the warehouses is great fun.

 

[UCVRelics]

Looking at the engineers hat pin in comparison to the Company D hat letter is it the smaller version on the engineers badge which should measures 31mm x 46mm. The large D's are an inch tall.

 

[treebie2000]

I wouldn't care the condition of it.
I think it's awesome.

 

[treebie2000]

Looking at the engineers hat pin in comparison to the Company D hat letter is it the smaller version on the engineers badge which should measures 31mm x 46mm. The large D's are an inch tall.

View attachment 259718

Please help me out.
I don't understand the significance of the sizes you give?
Trying to figure out what the badges are off of?

 

[treebie2000]

For those unaware, the Michigan History Museum probably put less than 10% of their holdings on display. The remaining items are in warehouses and will never be seen by the public. Still getting to tour the warehouses is great fun.

It would be really cool if this could find it's way back to Grand Rapids where the Clifton boys apparently came from.
Wonder if there are still relatives there?

 

[UCVRelics]

Please help me out.
I don't understand the significance of the sizes you give?
Trying to figure out what the badges are off of?

They are hat badges and the engineers badge came in several sizes. This one is the small size that went on a kepi etc and not the large version that went on a shanko hat.

 

[treebie2000]

Thanks a bunch. I get it.

 

[major bill]

Although in rough shape, this musket would make a great addition to a display on the Michigan engineers. Like I say, it will probably not be seen by the public for another 100 years.

 

[JOHN42768]

Why is the museum reluctant to rotate the remaining 90% of the items in their possession? I realize there are expenses, but having new displays would bring in more fees or donations

 

[ikesdad]

What's a museum if the stuff is never seen ?

 

[major bill]

Most museums show a tiny percentage of what the have. A museum may have displayed a couple Civil War muskets for a temporary Civil War display while they have dozens of muskets in their arms vault. The night bring out one frock coat while they have a shelf full of Civil War uniforms in storage.

 

[originalrebelyell]

Looks like Clifton

 

[Jobe Holiday]

One of the very reasons I tell people to sell their items to collectors.
J.

 

[major bill]

I have walked though the back of museums and some look like a mad hoarder lived there. I have feared for my life as I walked down narrow walkways with items piled from floor to ceiling. The thought of being crush by several tons of women's dresses and hats was a district possibility. Walking between two 12 foot high storage shelving units overflowing with women's clothing is more frightening than you might imagine.