What is this nameplate on this Springfield?

[jekct1212]

Found this on friends colt Springfield, we don't know what it is, anybody have any idea?

 

[CheathamHill]

OP?

author of original post on a forum?

as in the 'op'?

Or maybe his name was Opie

or maybe it is upside down and says 'do'

do what? is this a riddle? Illuminati confirmed?

Yes I'm no help. Sorry

 

[originalrebelyell]

Could be initals of the soldiers name

 

[major bill]

Kind of an odd place to put a name plate, the name plates are more common nearing the rear of stock.

 

[originalrebelyell]

It is odd I agree

 

[Patrick H]

This one of those features that adds interest to an antique for me. I don't know what it would do to the collector's value of the Springfield, but I like it. I imagine it was nailed onto the stock right after the war by a soldier who had bought it to take home.

 

[originalrebelyell]

Looks like it has been on there a long time, its interesting.

 

[Booner]

Could that musket have been used for something like a private police agency, like the railroad or something like that? And the plate show ownership like " O & P Railroad or something like that?

 

[Frederick14Va]

initial observation is that the two letters appear to have been machine stamped.... and may have been cut out of another brass lettered tag/sign of sorts.... hence the rough border and haphazard placement of the retaining tack nails... would be difficult to determine when it was applied to it... However does adds a bit of curiosity to the weapon... sure there is a story there.... but unfortunately may never know what it is...

 

[Package4]

Found this on friends colt Springfield, we don't know what it is, anybody have any idea?

What is the date on the lockplate, most Colts ended up as surplus and not issued, though some '63 dated pieces saw action. You will find the '64s in sometimes unfired condition, in fact I picked one such Colt up at the Julia auction about 10 years ago and it shows no evidence of ever being fired.

This is most likely a piece that found a home after the war and an enterprising young man wanted to put his mark on it.