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This weapon came out of a barn in Dinwiddie County, VA and has me a bit puzzled.
First the barrel. I don't have a bore light but I'm presently using a flashlight to look down the tube and I can see no evidence of rifling. Was this because the rifling was worn away later when it was used as a shotgun...or is this a smooth bore Enfield? Incidentally, the barrel is the same length as an original in my hands. The rear sight is missing as well. Underneath the barrel near the breech is a "broad arrow stamp", the number "1", the initials "H B", and "R Hughes". There are some very small proof marks I believe, but they are illegible for the most part. There's also the remnants of a word that appears to have said; "ROSE'S".
The butt plate is solid brass and the only marking I can find is two initials on the interior bottom that look like "J.H" or "J.M" or "J.N".
There is only one barrel band but it is the "fitted" type. No screw and no place for one. It appears to be steel or iron and is marked with the letter "U" on the side. (exterior) This appears to be a Springfield band.
The lock plate is marked with the crown behind the hammer but NO "V.R" It is also marked "TOWER" , "1861" Incidentally "TOWER" is OVER the date. And yes, it has the infamous double lines around the edge. The interior of the lock plate is well marked with "C M" , "J M", and the name "PARTRIDGE".
The trigger guard has the letters "J B" on the interior in front of the trigger.
The weapon sports "squared-off" escutcheons"
The cartouche is VERY faint but looks to say "BIRMINGHAM" and the word "TRADE"
On the opposite side of the butt is a small carved "X"
On the wood, underneath where the trigger guard is inlaid are the faint letters "J R' or "J B". On the bottom of the stock near the butt is some word or marking but is unreadable. Also, when the lock plate is in place, there is a very discernible gap between the lock plate and the stock. Also, the forestock has been cut down.
I have exhausted all internet options and have some savvy friends working on this but still nothing solid. Questions? Comments? Concerns? I may be reached at Remember1864@gmail.com.
Cheers!
First the barrel. I don't have a bore light but I'm presently using a flashlight to look down the tube and I can see no evidence of rifling. Was this because the rifling was worn away later when it was used as a shotgun...or is this a smooth bore Enfield? Incidentally, the barrel is the same length as an original in my hands. The rear sight is missing as well. Underneath the barrel near the breech is a "broad arrow stamp", the number "1", the initials "H B", and "R Hughes". There are some very small proof marks I believe, but they are illegible for the most part. There's also the remnants of a word that appears to have said; "ROSE'S".
The butt plate is solid brass and the only marking I can find is two initials on the interior bottom that look like "J.H" or "J.M" or "J.N".
There is only one barrel band but it is the "fitted" type. No screw and no place for one. It appears to be steel or iron and is marked with the letter "U" on the side. (exterior) This appears to be a Springfield band.
The lock plate is marked with the crown behind the hammer but NO "V.R" It is also marked "TOWER" , "1861" Incidentally "TOWER" is OVER the date. And yes, it has the infamous double lines around the edge. The interior of the lock plate is well marked with "C M" , "J M", and the name "PARTRIDGE".
The trigger guard has the letters "J B" on the interior in front of the trigger.
The weapon sports "squared-off" escutcheons"
The cartouche is VERY faint but looks to say "BIRMINGHAM" and the word "TRADE"
On the opposite side of the butt is a small carved "X"
On the wood, underneath where the trigger guard is inlaid are the faint letters "J R' or "J B". On the bottom of the stock near the butt is some word or marking but is unreadable. Also, when the lock plate is in place, there is a very discernible gap between the lock plate and the stock. Also, the forestock has been cut down.
I have exhausted all internet options and have some savvy friends working on this but still nothing solid. Questions? Comments? Concerns? I may be reached at Remember1864@gmail.com.
Cheers!
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