Marking Identification: New England Militia Musket

[David Burke]

Good afternoon,

I am looking for guidance in identifying a proof mark on my grandfather's New England Militia Musket, cal .69, C. 1830s. The rifle features a Lane and Reed, Boston lockplate and is an original flintlock rifle. I believe it is an early stylized eagle marking, a very early marking in US production. I cannot find any reference to it, and hope the community may shed some light/information. Please see the photo below. Happy Sunday.

 

[LSLibelo]

Welcome from California.

 

[rich pierce]

JV Puleo who is a member on the ALR (American Longrifles) forum is an eminent scholar who could answer this.

 

[2 shots]

welcome maybe the beak didnt stamp well ???

 

[springfield art]

Good afternoon,

I am looking for guidance in identifying a proof mark on my grandfather's New England Militia Musket, cal .69, C. 1830s. The rifle features a Lane and Reed, Boston lockplate and is an original flintlock rifle. I believe it is an early stylized eagle marking, a very early marking in US production. I cannot find any reference to it, and hope the community may shed some light/information. Please see the photo below. Happy Sunday.

View attachment 326212

Good photo; is intriguing! Perhaps a stylized Eagle, it would seem.

 

[Tumbledown]

Enlarged, it looks nothing like an eagle. Possibly an imported or recycled barrel with the original proof mark overstruck to obliterate.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Enlarged, it looks nothing like an eagle. Possibly an imported or recycled barrel with the original proof mark overstruck to obliterate.View attachment 326600

Yes it does resemble an overstruck symbol, and perhaps because it's in the vicinity of the "U.S." it was some other stamp that was misapplied to this particular musket?

LD

 

[dracer]

welcome to the forum

 

[Conquerordie]

The P and U.S. stamps seem to me it's a reused musket barrel. Especially being the standard .69 cal.

 

[Clark Badgett]

Lets see the rest of it. Aside from the wonky ‘eagle’ it seems to have a simple rear sight, no visible side plate.

 

[Thagomizer]

Anybody else seeing a logo with three intertwined letters?

 

[David Burke]

Please see several more photos of the rifle overall. Thank you.

 

[David Burke]

Lets see the rest of it. Aside from the wonky ‘eagle’ it seems to have a simple rear sight, no visible side plate.

I have submitted several more photos of the rifle, per your recommendation.

 

[David Burke]

The P and U.S. stamps seem to me it's a reused musket barrel. Especially being the standard .69 cal.

Interesting, please see the other photos I have submitted for your consideration. Thank you.

 

[David Burke]

Yes it does resemble an overstruck symbol, and perhaps because it's in the vicinity of the "U.S." it was some other stamp that was misapplied to this particular musket?

LD

LD, This is certainly a possibility.

 

[Clark Badgett]

Lane & Reed of Boston were importers. The lock is a later English commercial type, probably about 1820-30ish. The stampings are odd. I can make out what does appear to be right facing eagle super imposed over something. The eagle was facing left by 1833 and significantly skinnier. The barrel has a left side flat which are seen on French barrels. The furnishings are commercial from what is seen. The barrel appears to have been shortened due to lack of bayonet stud/front sight and abrupt way the forearm ends. You have a parts gun, that could have been a militia gun or could have been made by the various surplus houses for sell to poor westward bound immigrants.

 

[Mle1822]

Well it could be some sort of a re-struck monarchs cypher, these were used in Europe as proof marks