Looking for information on this firearm

[mjpchief]

I have come into possession of what I believe to be a .62 cal musket. Pictures will follow. The lock is marked “Savage RFA Co” with “Middletown CT” under that. Behind the hammer is the year “1868”. In front of the hammer it has the letters “US” under an Eagle. Butt plate has “US” on the top strap. Left Side of stock has a star in center of what looks to be a cresent moon. The barrel mics right at .620. The drum seems to have a plug or screw missing from what looks to be a clean out hole. The bore is smooth and has no serious pitting in it. Don’t think we are looking to fire this weapon. This firearm has been in the same family for well over 75 years. Family members are searching for information on this firearm. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

 

[bpd303]

Looks like a Savage contract model 1861/1853 US rifle musket to me.
https://www.si.edu/object/nmah_417413

 

[wiscoaster]

What are your plans for it?

 

[vintovka]

Turkish stock cartouche???

 

[PastorB]

It appears to be a standard US 1861 contract musket that has been modified for use as a hunting shotgun. Pretty common alteration after the conclusion of Civil War hostilities, as there were literally thousands of obsolete muskets laying around. Could be all original parts, or just as likely a gun assembled from leftover parts. They made a good, serviceable shotgun to put bunnies and birds in the pot. I have one bored out to 20 gauge, and it is still an interesting part of our history, and I shoot mine as well.

 

[mjpchief]

What are your plans for it?

Plans at this time are only identification. Rest will be up to owner. If it were mine I would bring it back to shooting condition without destroying the authenticity of the firearm. Would need to solve the problem of the missing plug in the clean out hole and repair the damage to hammer from many dry fires from the kids. I haven’t taken the lock out of the stock yet but it still seems to work fine.