Old Percussion rifle...?Springfield

[tstu2]

My son received a rifle from an aunt who had stored it in her basement.
The only markings on it is "US" stamped on the side of the lock, and the initials JAR stamped upside down on a plate on the opposite side of the lock. The gun has a full stock and weighs about 9-10 pounds.

I am told this was a relative's gun during the Civil War, but right now it is a rusted piece of metal on a rotten piece of wood. It was not cared for over the years.

I am thinking of rebuilding the gun, but if anyone knows any sites I can go to for more information on the gun, it would be appreciated.

 

[Bountyhunter]

Need pictures.

 

[reddog]

No kiddin'!!!! Wait a minute, I'm lookin'in my crystal ball, nope, can't see a thing!

 

[Mulebrain]

We really need pictures!!

This sight has pictures, which should help you identify it!
http://www.sharpsburg-arsenal.com/Rifles___Muskets/rifles___muskets.html

MB

Welcome to the forum!

 

[jdstrang]

Welcome to the fire, Pilgrim!

IMHO, the best place to get info on functioning Civil War weaponry is the North-South Skirmish Association, http://www.n-ssa.org , of which I am a member. Among its 3,000-plus devotees are dozens who specialize in the restoration of neglected original CW firearms. The bulletin board, linked from the above site, has a "Civil War Arms" category for just such inquiries.

As everyone here indicates, pictures would be of great help, but, lacking them, a fuller description would also be of service: length of barrel, caliber, number of bands, type of rear sight (leaf, "tombstone," ladder or none), type of front sight (barleycorn, blade or none; attached to barrel or attached to front barrel band), stampings or markings on lockplate and breech. Springfields, for example, have a 4-digit year-date stamped atop the breech. Enfields do not.

N-SSA members have restored some pitifully neglected original pieces to useful firing condition. One common practice is to have the barrel relined (Bobby Hoyt) or replaced (Hoyt or Dan Whitacre). Replacement stocks are also available through several sutlers (Dunlop, Schuessler) for any CW firearm extant. Internal lock parts, both original and reproduction, can be had as well from several sources.

But first, we do have to determine just what it is you have. Once that is established, restoration is well under way! :grin:

 

[Tumblernotch]

I caught one clue from his description. There is a plate opposite the lock. Sounds like a smoothbore musket. The initials stamped on it could be an inspector's, but I've never heard of them being placed there. Should be on the stock. Hope we get more info. :hmm:

Just checked: No JAR inspector's marks. Probably owner's marks. Have to wait and see I guess.