This is an example of a U.S. Model 1841 Rifle that was manufactured by the Whitney Arms Co., of New Haven, Connecticut in 1851 and later armory converted to 58 percussion and had a sabre type bayonet lug (numbered "302" added to the right side of the barrel rear of the muzzle. (This is similar to the New York State sabre bayonet alterations made of U. S. Remington Model 1841 rifles). The rifle originally had a browned barrel, with a brass blade front and fixed open rear sights, casehardened lock and hammer and brass furniture with the distinctive large brass patch box and retains the correct iron ramrod with a brass tip. The lock plate is marked: "N. HAVEN / 1851" behind the hammer and "E.WHITNEY/US" in front of the hammer. The left side, breech end of the barrel is marked "US/JPC/VP", the barrel tang "1849 and the buttplate tang is marked "U.S.". The varnished walnut stock has two faint oval inspection cartouches. 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.

Good. The barrel has a smooth mottled brownish gray patina with the breech area a blue color due to heat being applied. The lock and hammer have a smooth dark brown patina. The trigger guard has been polished and remains bright. The remaining brass components have an natural aged patina. The stock has had a coat of varnish added and remains very good with scattered overall minor dings, and dents. The action is excellent.