Brass gun butt plate

[niffler]

I found this gun butt plate in near Paris in South East Idaho. It's cast brass, about 4" (102 MM) long by 1 5/16" (32 MM) wide at the widest point. There are 3 holes which are countersunk. It has no markings of any kind. Any ideas on age and maker? Thanks, Niffler.

 

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[Monty]

I confess I don't know what it is but I don't think it's a gunbutt plate? Monty

 

[Breezie]

Do you think the triangular looking piece on the end was originally curled or do you think it was straight at one time? Breezie

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

It is definitely a musket/rifle buttplate, from the 1700s or 1800s.

Breezie is correct, the tang at the top of bent downward from its original position.

At just 4" by 1-&5/16", that buttplate is smaller than usually seen on Military longarms, so I think it is probably from a civilian "country rifle" ...such as a Tennessee rifle.

Having three screw-holes is unusual. Usually there are only two. Here's a diagram showing a 1700s Brown Bess musket's parts, including the two-hole buttplate.

 

[niffler]

Thanks for the replies. Niffler

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The center hole may have been drilled later. It appears off center.