British Export Musket for U.S. Civil War?

[Guest Rick Research]

This turned up in Rhode Island and am posting for a friend. What model of musket is this?

[Guest Rick Research]

I've got a few more camera shots, but don't have it here for an on hands recheck.

The lock has a crowned "VR" and what appears to be the date 1855.

Markings on the stock which don't come out well at all include the Broad Arrow, what may be "OH" and "ICR" and "Barnes & Co Fenchurch St London."

Is this typical "surplus" brought over for the U.S. Civil war, or would there be different markings-- from BOTH countries-- on such exported weapons?

Haven't a clue, either of us.

Obviously.

[Paul R]

It looks like it could be a .577 Enfield Rifle musket. Yours seems to be missing some of the parts(bands).

http://www.hackman-adams.com/guns/enfield.htm

1853 Pattern 3-Band Enfield Musket

[Guest Rick Research]

What about this odd ?bayonet lug under the muzzle?

The missing ramroad is just replaced by a wooden dowel. What are the chances of finding replacement parts-- or is this one too "relic" to try finding the missing parts?

[Paul R]

I am sure that there are replacement parts available, although they might be reproduction. You could have your friend try to look up some of the Civil War re enactment groups. Maybe they could give him some contact information for vendors who sell authentic or reproduction arms, to get the needed parts to restore this weapon.

Paul

[Michael Johnson]

If it is rifled, it is a Pattern 1851 Minie rifle. The bayonet attachment on the 1853 Enfield is the block the front sight sits on. The Minie retained the boyonet catch used by the Patterns 1839 and 1842 muskets.

[Guest Rick Research]

It's a smoothbore, with this funny little hoof-shaped attachment:

I'm assuming that's for some sort of specific bayonet to attach.

Here are the stock marks mentioned above in a cartouche stamped on the left side:

[Michael Johnson]

Then I'd say it's a Pattern 1842 Musket, and perhaps it has been updated with a Pattern 1853 Enfield lock, assuming the date is 1855.

[Ulsterman]

wow! Look at that barrel! That saw some action. The original barrels were all much thicker.

[peter monahan]

Rick

For replacement parts (repro) try Googling "Dixie Arms" in Tennessee. They sell a lot of repro. 19th century muskets and parts to re-enactors.

Peter

[Guest Rick Research]

I remember Dixie catalogs from the 1970s--didn't know they were still around!