2-831-854 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Denning was an African-American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. A "Tower"-type Enfield rifle-musket, model 1853, made of metal and wood. The musket has attached metal butt plate at the end of the stock. The butt has an engraved proofing mark on PR side. Proof is in the middle near the end of the stock. To the right of the mark is additional text engraved in the butt [K 61]. On the bottom of the stock, approximately 2.5 inches from the buttplate, [B.WOODWARD&SONS] is stamped into the wood. Engraved into the lock plate on PR side is engraved date and text [1863/TOWER]. Engraving is below the hammer. There is a crown emblem stamped into the lock plate to the left of the hammer pivot. Engraved on the barrel on the PL side between the hammer and the sight are the proof marks and bore gauge number. The gauge number is 25 and appears twice, flanked and separated by the provisional proof, view mark, and definitive proof. Musket includes ram rod and collapsable sight. Also included is a swivle near the trigger meant to accomodate a detachable sling.