1429

Whitney U.S. Model 1841 Mississippi Percussion Rifle with Bayonet Lug and Long Range Rear Sight

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:2,750.00 - 4,250.00 USD
Whitney U.S. Model 1841 Mississippi Percussion Rifle with Bayonet Lug and Long Range Rear Sight
This U.S. Model 1841 Rifle was manufactured by the Whitney Arms Co., of New Haven, Connecticut in 1855. The rifle was subsequently modified by the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia circa 1855-1856. The Harpers Ferry second style alteration consisted of the addition of a long range rear sight, brazing a one-inch saber bayonet lug with key on the right side of the barrel, replacing the original brass front barrel band with a shorter, double strap, barrel band. The rifle was subsequently re-bored to .58 caliber and had the original brass tip ramrod replaced with an iron, tulip head ramrod. The rifle has brass front barrel band, barrel band, side plate, trigger guard and distinctive over-sized patch box and flat buttplate. The rear sight base is graduated from "2" to "4" in hundred yard increments. The folding rear sight leaf is graduated form "5" to "10". The lock plate is stamped "1855/N.HAVEN" in small vertical letters behind the hammer. "E.WHITNEY/U.S." is stamped in front of the hammer in two lines. The barrel tang is dated "1855". The left side of the barrel is stamped "W W/P" behind the rear sight followed by the usual "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks. "US" is stamped on the heel of the buttplate behind the screw. The left stock flat is stamped with two oval, script, Ordnance inspection marks. The rifle is complete with a Civil War, black, bridle leather, rifle sling. The patch box contains a screw-driver/nipple wrench and a spare percussion nipple. The muzzle is fitted with an Enfield pattern tampon with brass tip and cork body.
BBL: 33 inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 58 percussion
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN


Very good. The rifle barrel, lock and hammer were polished bright during the period of use and the iron components have a smooth, silver-gray patina. The barrel, lock and bolster have very minimal flash-pitting. The barrel, lock and rear sight markings are sharp. The brass furniture has a mellow age patina. The stock is in very good condition with moderate handling wear. There is a small, old, repair in the stock comb where an oval plaque most likely once resided. The Ordnance inspection marks on the left flat are visible but not legible. The original front sight has been replaced with a taller, brass, sight blade. The sling, combination tool and barrel plug are all in very good condition. This is a very good example of a scarce and important Harpers Ferry Arsenal Second Alteration U.S. Whitney1841 Rifle.