Evidence of 2 band M1816 conversion use in the CW?

[2nd GA Sharpshooter]

Several years ago, an old family friend gave me an M1816 conversion that was cut down to almost the same length as an M1841 or P58 Enfield. The gun itself is rather incomplete, no bands, ramrod, butt plate, etc. I can't say for sure when it was cut down, but it looks like it was done sometime in the 19th century. The man who gave it to me had it for decades and it was already that way when he got it. I can't see someone cutting it down for use as a shotgun, although it could have happened. My theory is that maybe it was cut down for cavalry use early in the CW or even the Mexican War. Is this just wishful thinking on my part or is there evidence of such use? I appreciate the help!

[bsbaker]

I actually had one like that, that was cut down to two bands as well. It was not a recent modification. I often wondered whether it was a postwar alteration or a wartime mod-----either way I guess there was a common consensus that the things needed shortened!

http://s998.photobucket.com/albums/a...5/Springfield/

[2nd GA Sharpshooter]

That one looks really nice! The overall length looks about the same as mine, although I don't believe the stock extends quite as far beyond the second band as yours. Mine was made in Philadelphia in 1835.

[mississippian]

The records are somewhere in the deep dark hole where my notes are, but yes, I have seen C.S. records mentioning cut down muskets being issued to cavalry units for use as carbines or musketoons. One record I do have his from the 16th Georgia Cavalry Battalion, serving in East Tennessee in 1863 when Co. F sent "1 cut off Percussion Musket" to the local ordnance depot for repair.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

A lot of them were cut down by Bannerman's in the late 1800's for sale as cheap shotguns. They bought off thousands of surplus guns from the government, many of them smoothbores, and so they made sporterized shotguns out of them.

[Boyd Miles]

Most of those had the stocks cut off keeping only the bottom band.

[jademonkey]

Also, Baker's piece appears to be some sort of "Frankenmusket" - check out the bolster and breech. That looks like they put a later Springfield barrel on a
m1816/1822 lock and stock. Anyone else notice that, or am I seeing things?

[jademonkey]

You might have been thinking of the 1842s modified by the Macon Arsenal? Here's a CWRF thread: http://www.cwreenactors.com/forum/ar.../t-11532.html?

[2nd GA Sharpshooter]

Thanks, mississippian. Being new to the hobby, I've never heard of the modified 1842s that jademonkey linked. Really interesting stuff! Maybe I'll be able to find some more info on these M1816 2 band guns on down the line. I'll try to post links to a couple of pictures of mine sometime.