Brass Butt Plate

[MidMoTreasure]

I found this brass butt plate in a Civil War site that had Union, Confederate, and State Guard / militia activity in Central Missouri. The plate measures 4.5 inches, and the tang (which is bent) measures an inch. The tang does not have a pin, and it does not look broken. Also, there are no markings or stamps on the plate. I have searched all the usual suspects and cannot find a match. Will someone please help me track down the source?

 

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[NOLA_Ken]

Can you post a pic from the side, and one looking down at the top? It kind of looks like an India Pattern Brown Bess butt plate, but I'm not sure if that's right.

 

[Icewing]

Here this might help you begin your search.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Butt+plate+musket&FORM=HDRSC2&PC=MOZB

 

[MidMoTreasure]

Yes, I will have to post the picture later on when I get home. I did notice the similarities with Brown Bess plates, I think the tang is too short though. Also, the Bess tangs have a peg at the bottom.


Icewing, thanks for the link. I am not beginning my search, have already reviewed and dismissed the most common CW arms. I am beginning to suspect it may be for a shotgun. Brown Bess was the closest musket I could find.

 

[Icewing]

It sure looks like it came off of an enfield to me, but maybe not.
http://www.ima-usa.com/p1853-enfield-p-1864-snider-rifle-brass-butt-plate.html

 

[MidMoTreasure]

It sure looks like it came off of an enfield to me, but maybe not.
British P-1853 Enfield Rifle and P-1864 Snider Rifle Brass Butt Plate ima-usa.com

I agree, it does look similar. What throws me off is that standard Enfield butt plates have a screw on the tang in addition to two screws on the plate.

 

[Icewing]

I agree, it does look similar. What throws me off is that standard Enfield butt plates have a screw on the tang in addition to two screws on the plate.

Man has been customizing his weapon since the days of carrying a club and throwing rocks, that was just my best quick guess. I'm sure someone will solve the mystery soon.

 

[Fullstock]

A lot of 18th and early 19th century fowlers used butt plates like this.

 

[MidMoTreasure]

Can you post a pic from the side, and one looking down at the top? It kind of looks like an India Pattern Brown Bess butt plate, but I'm not sure if that's right.

Here is a picture from the side. It is pretty thin. Given that the place I found it at was also used by the State Guard and EMM, I think it is likely that it could come from a shotgun, coach gun, or even an older flintlock. Those men had to supply their own arms.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

From that angle definitely not from a Bess, not sure what it could be