Excavated US Model 1855 Lock Recovered Charles City County, Virginia
Item #: AA3040
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This is an excavated Model 1855 lock plate from the Civil War era. It measures 5 7/16" wide and 2 3/46" tall. The Model 1855 lock is easily identifiable by the recessed area for the Maynard primer system incorporated for use with the US Model 1855 rifle. This priming system was adopted in the hopes of replacing the cap system in use at the time. As the weapon was placed on full cock a roll of paper primed caps was forwarded in front of the nipple. When the weapon was fired the act of the hammer striking the nipple also acted to cut the priming tape. A small door was used to provide access to install and removed the roll of tape from the weapon. This lock is missing the door, but is otherwise complete. The hammer is frozen in the full cock position. The stirrup, main spring and other components of the lock are still in position on the back side. As the Confederate Army captured the US Arsenal at Harper's Ferry early in the war, this could be a lock that was used on a Confederate or Federal musket, no way of telling. This one was excavated in Charles City County, Virginia. This are was subject to some fierce fighting during McClellan's Peninsular Campaign during 1862. The lock has a reddish brown patina to it. The recessed areas of the lock still have some of the dirt in it from where it was excavated! This is a cool example of a lockplate that could have been used by either side during the fighting in the area of Virginia!
Shipping Weight:
1 lb
Item # AA3040
(Sold)
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