I recently happened onto a barrel from some type of US martial-style pistol, typical of the 1855 Springfield or Harper's Ferry 'horse pistol'. Due to the absence of importer's marks, and the apparent age and patina of the metal I am inclined to believe it is very old, rather than being a reproduction.
http://www.imagemagician.com/images/...zzlebarrel.jpg
The only markings evident on this barrel are an upper-case "B" centered over the number "39", located on the side of the barrel about a half-inch behind and below the rear sight. The configuration of the letters and numerals appear typical for 1800's stampings.
http://www.imagemagician.com/images/sarge/proofmark.jpg
The front sight is also typical of the 'horse pistol' design, and the rear sight is of the three-leaf graduated variety.
http://www.imagemagician.com/images/sarge/3leafsite.jpg
The barrel is .58 caliber and mikes .595 in the grooves, of which there are five; the rifling is what I would call 'fair to good condition' and the lands, while not crisp like a new barrel are intact down the length of the bore.
http://www.imagemagician.com/images/sarge/muzle.jpg
The drum was obviously manufactured for percussion ignition and is not a flinlock conversion.
http://www.imagemagician.com/images/sarge/mzbarrel.jpg
I originally bought this to build a 'shooter' on, but in retrospect I think it unwise to load this with the type of hunting charges I would employ. I would appreciate any information regarding it's age, origin, and potential value. Like anything else that passes through my hands, if it ain't a shooter it's for sale to finance something that is one. I just need to somewhere to start.
All responses and opinions are appreciated, and thank you in advance for your input.