Here's an very nice, complete M1841 "Mississippi" Rifle. The 1841 has the distinction of being America's first rifled musket. Originally built for use during the Mexican War, these short rifles were nicknamed the "Mississippi Rifle" after they were issued to Mississippian troops under the command of Jefferson Davis during the Mexican War. The Mississippi Rifle was built by several different contractors including the Federal Arsenal of Harper's Ferry. Harper's Ferry built these rifles for nine years; between 1846 and 1855.
This M1841 is all original and produced by Whitney; one of the few private arsenals to produce the M1841. The stock is in great shape with no cracks, chips, or splits. The lock panels are wonderfully crisp and the stock has a great patina; indicating that this musket was never sanded or refinished. There is also three original inspector's cartouches stamped in the stock; another indicator of the stock's originality.
The lock is in great shape and appears to have been nickel plated at some point; likely for parade service with a GAR Hall. The hammer holds solid on both full and half cock.
The barrel is in good shape. It is still full length with a nice patina. An original set of original unmodified sights are intact on the barrel and the original proof mark can be found on the breech. The original .54 caliber bore has been reamed smooth, making this a good candidate for a reline..
All the hardware is original and matching and the brass components have a nice patina. The brass-tipped ramrod is full length and original, although it also appears to have been plated at some point.
This is a great Civil War-used Mississippi; made by the one of the more desirable M1841 contractors. Pick up this piece for your collection; it won't disappoint.
