Tower 1861 Enfield ID

[Bill Rosch]

I am a newbie and was directed to this forum for assistance.
I have a Tower 1861 (pictures below). Barrel 39 1/4" and is stamped with the number 25 twice. My father got it from a farmer in Virginia while bird hunting in late 1940s early 50s. I know little about the gun and nothing about its history beyond that. It has initials carved on each side of the trigger guard, the butt has been repaired and is also chipped. The lock/hammer works. Also looks like the stock was modified, but before our possession, as were the carved initials on each side of the trigger guard. My research, such as it is, is limited because I am floundering around in unfamiliar nomenclature but, I think it is a Confederate and not a Union weapon. It has been a closet for about 40 years.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

Bill,
You have what remains of an Enfield Pattern 1853 type 3 Rifle Musket. Yours was most likely made in Birmingham {will have 5 marks on the breech including the"25"s} or possibly London made but doubtful, having 3 marks on the breech.

To prove it a Confederate import it must have acceptance marks, inventory numbers, or state marks. The portion of the stock which was 'customized' along with the original buttplate is where these marks would have been.

It's amazing but in your photo it appears to still have the original ramrod. A truly long shot would be to find some large engraved numbers on the rod right behind the muzzle end. These would be the CS inventory numbers and would have matched with numbers on the original butt plate. Better chance on the Powerball I'd reckon.

 

[UCVRelics]

It always hurts me to see any CW musket that has been sporterised especially an Enfield but its still a CW musket with history.

 

[Story]

The reconfigured buttstock duplicates the lines of a traditional fowler. See http://www.fowlingguns.com/fowlers.html

 

[gary]

Any other markings? Like others said, it's a post war sporterization.

 

[Patrick H]

I personally think the customization is fascinating. I know it will make a kot of our members sort of grit their teeth, but I think it's a period customization and a pretty good one. A lot of drop was added to the stock! I agree with @Story that it resembles a fowling piece stock. It also resembles the butt stock shape of a traditional American long rifle. Might have been used as an all-purpose sporter.

 

[Story]

Might have been used as an all-purpose sporter.

In response to my request in a separate thread, he shows the muzzle - which appears to be smooth-bored.
https://civilwartalk.com/threads/tower-1861.159293/page-2#post-2079884