1858 Tower Two Band Percussion Musket

This is a British military issued Tower made two band "short" percussion musket.  Dated 1858, the lock bears the royal cypher Crown over VR and the British broad arrow acceptance. The breach and brass butt-plate are both stamped with the regiment initials of 2 over 131 which is believed to be the 2nd Royal Horse Artillery regiment, number 131 who were formed in 1859. These units were often issued with shorter weapons as a last line of self defense. With both receiver and stock marked this confirms that this musket has remained together.