The "Mississippi Rifle" was made famous by Jefferson Davis' unit during the Mexican-American War and was also widely used by both sides during the Civil War. Many were updated for use with bayonets and Minie balls. Colt purchased the rifles for $10 each, re-bored and rifled them for .58 caliber ammunition using the original style of rifling, fitted split band bayonet adapters, and then sold them back to the government for $18.50 each paired with bayonets manufactured for Colt by Collins & Co. They had completed 10,200 by the summer of 1862 and thus had brought in over $86,000 while also giving Union soldiers handsome rifles adapted for bayonets and better ammunition. This example has seven-groove rifling and was period converted to .58 caliber, a brass tipped ramrod as used on the original Model 1841 rifles, the standard brass blade front sight, correct Colt Model 1855 three-leaf type rear sight graduated up to 500 yards, "902" Colt conversion number marked on the bayonet lug and on the barrel to match, "US/JCB/P" marked at the breech, "ROBBINS/&/LAWRENCE/U.S." marked at the center of the lock, "WINDSOR VT/1851" marked at the tail of the lock, boxed and oval script "JM" and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock flat, "US" marked buttplate tang, and a spare nipple inside the patch box. Includes an "1861" dated brass handled saber bayonet marked "G" and "2796" on the flat of the handle. A provenance letter accompanies the rifle that states, "Formally the property of an American officer, Brigadier General John Gazzam Butler and by decent until purchased by the present vendor. Brigadier Butler was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1842, attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1863. He joined the Union Army as a lieutenant in the Fourth Field Artillery, receiving promotion after the battle of Chickamauga and thereafter appears to have had ordnance appointments." Research indicates John G. Butler (January 23, 1842-August 17, 1914) spent most of his career as an officer in the Ordnance Corps in which he helped design ammunition. Provenance: Brigadier General John Gazzam Butler; Property of a Gentleman

Exceptionally fine, retains 70% original "striped" brown finish on the barrel, smooth gray patina on the lock showing faint patterns of case colors, highly attractive untouched golden bright brass, and 40% of the Colt blue finish with scattered brown surface corrosion on the balance on the bayonet lug and rear sight, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is very fine with attractive original raised grains, numerous scattered light to mild dents and scratches, distinct edges and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Bayonet is fine with natural aged patina and some patches of light pitting.