Potsdam musketoon/carbine?

[gew8805]

Didn't think that it was a Prussian job, possibly a Confederate modificstion?

Sadly, almost certainly not, the modifications likely done long after the American Civil War.

Thanks for the new photos, especially the more distinct photos of the lockplate markings. As Patrick says, Paul Sauer & Sohn.

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[gew8805]

I also need to add the following:

Keep in mind that the Confederate states did not purchase any firearms from Prussia, they didn't need them though they did aquire some by surrender or battlefield recovery and a few saw Confederate service in rear areas. Those actually issued to Federal forces were passed back into storage as quickly as possible by Federal regiments to whom they were issued when standard arms became available. They were the earliest purchased and imported Federal arms, initial importation came into US ports in November of 1861. Even though they were well made, durable arms, Federal inspectors rated them as 3rd and 4th class arms due to the large, nonstandard caliber.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Thanks for the photos. One can see that there was once a foresight on the front band.

"I'm almost certain that is a 'PS & something Suhl as opposed to 'SS' and something Suhl"

Agreed, and now I hope I am slowly getting somewhere!
Rooting through my literature and looking online, the best fit for PS & S is

Paul Sauer & Sohn

The Sauer dynasty had numerous members, and in those days you joined Dad's company, unless you had some solid get-out like entering the army or the church. However, the P narrows it down to Paul or Johann Paul, who were both active during the period in question. I have only found the marking JP Sauer & Sohn recorded, but PS & S seems reasonable for the limited space on a lockplate, and that would also explain the PS on the barrel.

The modern Sauer company is unlikely to be much help, as the war (loss of records) + East German takeover of original company + new-founded operation in Kiel means that the historical connection within the company is pretty much lost, and the modern company would not have much interest in what is, for them, unprofitable "Prehistory". So the best bet is the specialist literature + museums. I just phoned the Arms Museum in Suhl, but the curator is not available until Tuesday. I will let you know asap if he can provide any clarification.

BTW, do not assume that the 1831 is a barrel date. It could be a factory number, making the whole discrepancy between style elements and the presumed 1831 a red herring!

[Anzac15]

That would have been my guess, captured or recovered, if in fact this was a Confederate arm.
Patrick, I will get that barrel measurement done as soon as I get home. Eager to see what it is.
You're definitely correct in saying be cautious about the word 'original'!