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U.S. Whitney Model 1841 Percussion Mississippi Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:700.00 USD Estimated At:1,400.00 - 2,250.00 USD
U.S. Whitney Model 1841 Percussion Mississippi Rifle
This is an example of an U.S. Model 1841 Rifle that was manufactured by the Whitney Arms Co., of New Haven, Connecticut in 1850. The rifle originally had a browned barrel (now mottled silver gray), brass blade and fitted open rear sights, casehardened lock and hammer and brass furniture with the distinctive large brass patch box and the correct iron ramrod with a brass tip. The barrel is absent of a bayonet lug. The lock plate is marked: "N. HAVEN / 1850" in two vertical lines behind the hammer and "E.WHITNEY / US" in front of the hammer. The left side, breech end of the barrel is marked "US / GW / VP", the left flat is marked "STEEL", the barrel tang "1851" and the buttplate tang is marked "U.S.". The varnished walnut stock has two faint oval inspection cartouches. Complete with a brown leather sling. The Model 1841 Rifle was offered for commercial sale in 1864 and is often referred to as the "Mississippi Rifle" for its use by the 1st Mississippi Regiment led by Jefferson Davis at the Battle of Buena Vista in the Mexican War. The Model 1841 was continually modified and saw extensive service with both Federal and Confederate forces during the first years of the Civil War.
BBL: 33 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN


Very good. The metal surfaces have a smooth mottled silver gray patina. The brass components have an aged patina. The stock is good with exception of a couple of splintered pieces missing on the right front directly behind the barrel band, some splintering on the upper left side. A hole is drilled into the top of the buttstock directly ahead of the buttplate tang. A slot cut into the right side at the forward area of the patch box and a few minor gouges, scratches and dents. The sling is fair with a piece missing at the buckle, some minor tears, age cracks and some heavy wear. The markings are clear. The action is fine.