My First Lock Plate!

[raw-war-digger1]

Hello Fellows,
Yesterday evening I returned to an old site at Michie after digging with a new Friend I met through this Forum. I (for some reason) dug an Iron signal and it was just under the leaves. Turns out to be my first ever Lock Plate. It's complete except for the Hammer. I cleaned off some of the rust with a wire brush on my bench grinder then a little soap, water and toothbrush bath. When it dried I noticed some marking on the side of the plate: _OWER. I'm presently giving it a good Electrolysis bath but have removed it several times. I can see "1861" above "TOWER". Was wondering if the Tower Rifle was a rare item? I found it listed in the MM book but had never heard of this type before. These scans are POOR but the best I have at present.

Not trying to be a bother, just trying to learn my way through this Life.
Thanks, Roger (RAW)

 

[robert]

THAT THERE IS AN ENFIELD LOCKPLATE,PURDY DARN NICE TOO :up ALMOST EVERY ENFIELD LOCKPLATE WAS MARKED TOWER BUT YOU HARDLY EVER SEE ONE DUG THAT YOU CAN STILL READ.
I MYSELF HAVE NEVER DUG A LOCKPLATE BUT I HAVE OWNED A COUPLE OF ENFIELDS.HOPE THIS HELPS.
ROBERT

 

[robert]

O YEA,IS THE SCREW STILL ON THE HAMMER THING? LOOKS LIKE IT IS FROM THE PICTURE.

 

[raw-war-digger1]

Enfield?

Thanks for the info Robert! As you can tell I've not done much research into the Firearm Field! I had No clue it was an Enfield Lock Plate! I cannot get a good scan from my camera or my scanner but here is the best full view so far. I can see the Crown, 1861, and TOWER!

Thanks Once Again, Roger (RAW)

 

[tomh]

Enfield Plate

Roger,

Great find!!!!!!!!

I agree with Robert that it is an Enfield Plate and it is unusual to find a dug example with the crown, date and Tower imprint so visible, plus the mainspring, hammer retaining screw and sear.

Somewhere there is a set of barrel bands, buttplate, barrel and trigger assembly that belong with that plate. Good luck finding them.

TomH
(Settling into the new house in the Gettysburg area)

 

[raw-war-digger1]

Unsure About The Other Items?

Thanks TomH! I don't know about the other stuff you listed? I've hunted this area several times and got tired of digging most of the iron signals. Mostly square headed nails, barb wire, hog wire in the ground and about 15 ft away is a recent dump area. I may get lucky and find something else from the Rifle but I don't have high hopes.....some items may have been found over the years?
I got the hammer retaining screw to come out and I've found an Enfield hammer at another Camp about a mile North. I've put the hammer on the plate as shown....haven't got everything working yet. The main spring is broken but rusted in place.
Thanks Again, Roger (RAW)

 

[tomh]

Enfield Lockplate

Roger,

Nice match, they look like they could have been dug together.

I'm getting settled into the new place near Gettysburg and I'm hoping to get to do a little digging this summer (JimT ... that was a blatant hint <grin>). I have never done it and any kind of find would make my day.

TomH
(Currently, most of what I own is still in the garage. I hate moving.)

 

[raw-war-digger1]

Thanks Again!

Thanks Again TomH! Hoping You get settled in soon! It would take me months to pack up my all of my belongings/stuff and several more to rearrange! I hate the thought of ever moving again! Hopefully you can go a digging, find something and You will surely be HOOKED as I am?
Asking for suggestions on treating this plate. I've always used a rust block which makes the relic look shinny black. I'm thinking it will cover up the markings so I'm thinking of using a good coat of Olive Oil. What do you or anyone else suggest?

Thanks, Roger (RAW)

 

[robert]

ROGER,
I NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT USING OLIVE OIL BUT SOMETIMES WHEN I COAT A RELIC AND I DONT WANT THAT THICK SHINY LOOK I WILL SOAK IT IN GUN OIL FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN WIPE IT OFF,SEEMS TO WORK PRETTY WELL.
ROBERT

P.S. LOOKS REALLY NICE AFTER YOU PUT THAT HAMMER ON IT,IT LOOKED NICE BEFORE BUT THE HAMMER REALLY SETS IT OFF.