1858/1863 NMA inspector initials . . .

[JimF]

There are three inspector initials on the left grip of a NMA.
I cannot make them out.
I’ve seen two initials on other grips, but not three.
Who used this three-letter stamping?
Thanks-a-bunch!

[aardq]

Hi Jim,

According to Don Ware's book, there were 12 final inspectors of the Navy and Army models. 6 of the 12 used 3 letters. 7 of the 12 are unidentified.
CGC - C. G. Curtis, and early inspector.
WAT - William A. ?Thornton, inspected contract arms for the Ordinance Dept.
OWA - O.W. Ainsworth - mainly known as an Inspector of Colt arms/
RPB - Unidentified Inspector that worked very late in the war, in early 1865.
JWK - Unidentified principal sub-inspector.
GRC - Unidentified inspector.

Well, that probably doesn't help, but until new info turns up, that's what we have.

If you are able to decipher your letters and they aren't on this list, please inform us of the new find.
Daniel

[JimF]

Thank you, Daniel . .
I have now determined the initials to be “OWA” . . . .Orville W Ainsworth.
This NMA was mfg. in September, 1864 . . . .or thereabouts.

[aardq]

Sept 64 would be: serials: 96,521 - 101-360.

Daniel

[TommyJoe]

There are three inspector initials on the left grip of a NMA.
I cannot make them out.
I’ve seen two initials on other grips, but not three.
Who used this three-letter stamping?
Thanks-a-bunch!

A clear close-up photo of the stamp would really help. It's hard to identify the initials without seeing them.

[JimF]

A clear close-up photo of the stamp would really help. It's hard to identify the initials without seeing them.

As I posted above, I have identified the final inspector as Orville Wood Ainsworth.