Stock Markings On 1842

[GF97]

I am still messing around looking at my Rifled 42 and would like some opinions on markings. Was there any rhyme or reason for numbers being stamped forward of the butt plate? There is also an oval that is almost mashed off of the belly but I noticed in the proper light. Not sure what that could be.

 

[JOHN42768]

Unfortunately the photos are no help. Normally a number in front of butt plate tang might well be a rack number so the individual picks his own. The oval encased initials on the counterpane is the acceptance proof of the inspector of the firearm.

 

[GF97]

Ok that makes sense on the other stampings. I put a red border around the belly mark but it still may not help. I'm chasing 170 year old ghosts I would wager..... But in person there is an oval that is about .22" and seems deliberate.

 

[James Brenner]

Couple of questions. How large would you say the font is? Big enough that it is easy to see or did you have to look for it? Is the alphanumeric a number and a letter; C7, for example? Does that alpanumeric appear anywhere else on the musket - particularly on the breech plug? You'll have to take the barrel off to see. As John42768 noted, the photos are of no help.

 

[johan_steele]

Use white chalk dust to brush into the indentations.

 

[GF97]

Couple of questions. How large would you say the font is? Big enough that it is easy to see or did you have to look for it? Is the alphanumeric a number and a letter; C7, for example? Does that alpanumeric appear anywhere else on the musket - particularly on the breech plug? You'll have to take the barrel off to see. As John42768 noted, the photos are of no help.

The naked eye is the only real way to see them, I'm sorry about the low quality image, it was too much of an ask to put it out there as is. I will have to try the chalk option to see if it makes them pop out. However, the digits just forward of the buttplate are quite tiny and I saw them by chance. It appears to be 85 or B5, neither of which are present on the breach plug or anywhere else. They are ~0.135" in height. The oval on the belly of the stock measures ~.22" in height.

 

[James Brenner]

The naked eye is the only real way to see them, I'm sorry about the low quality image, it was too much of an ask to put it out there as is. I will have to try the chalk option to see if it makes them pop out. However, the digits just forward of the buttplate are quite tiny and I saw them by chance. It appears to be 85 or B5, neither of which are present on the breach plug or anywhere else. They are ~0.135" in height. The oval on the belly of the stock measures ~.22" in height.

Thanks. There is no rear sight on your '42 and that suggests that it was either rifled at the Arsenal or it is a Miles Greenwood "modernization" done for Ohio in 1861. Unfortunately, neither entity signed their work.
FEIW, I have seen small alphanumerics such as B5 on the stocks, barrels, and breeches of other 42's. It is not clear if they are original assembly marks, if they were applied at the time of rifling, or if they are some sort of inventory control.

 

[GF97]

Thanks. There is no rear sight on your '42 and that suggests that it was either rifled at the Arsenal or it is a Miles Greenwood "modernization" done for Ohio in 1861. Unfortunately, neither entity signed their work.
FEIW, I have seen small alphanumerics such as B5 on the stocks, barrels, and breeches of other 42's. It is not clear if they are original assembly marks, if they were applied at the time of rifling, or if they are some sort of inventory control.

Interesting! I had not heard of the Ohio conversions. It seems like there is more information regarding the rifled and sighted exames. I have read that some weren't sighted and I always see Benecia arsenal referenced. I originally didn't even realize it was rifled. I picked it up because it had a "been there done that" look to it. I assume it was taken home rather than processed after the war. Thanks for the information.