U.S. Model 1841 "Mississippi" Percussion Rifle that was manufactured by the Harpers Ferry Armory in 1854. Harpers Ferry manufactured 25,296 Model 1841 rifles between 1846 and 1855. The Model 1841 Rifle achieved fame at the battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican War and saw extensive service with both Federal and Confederate armies during the Civil War. Model 1841 rifles were widely issued to Confederate cavalry. This rifle is one of approximately 10,000 Model 1841 rifles altered at Harpers Ferry in 1855-57 to accept a sword bayonet, re-bored to .58 caliber and fitted with the 1855 pattern long range rear sight. The forend was shortened, a new shorter upper barrel band installed and a bayonet lug fitted to the right side of the barrel. The fixed rear sight was replaced with a folding adjustable rear sight graduated to 1,000 yards. The original brass tipped ramrod was replaced with an all-steel tulip head ramrod. The rifle barrel and lock plate have been polished bright. The barrel bands, trigger guard, side plate, patch box and buttplate are brass. The stock is oil-finished black walnut. The lock plate is marked "HARPERS/FERRY/1854" in three vertical lines behind the hammer. A small Eagle and Shield motif above "U.S." is stamped ahead of the hammer. The barrel tang is dated "1855" and the barrel is stamped "WW/P" in two lines followed by the "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks in a single line parallel to the bore. The Ordnance inspection mark "JLR" is stamped in block letters on the left stock flat. A rack number "B61" is stamped on the top of the buttplate. The patch box contains the original spare percussion nipple and two .58 caliber bullets.

Good as partially refinished. The barrel and lock appear to have been polished bright during the Civil War and the rifle has been lightly cleaned. The barrel has a smooth, artificial gray-brown patina and has no flash pitting. The barrel dates, proofs and inspection marks are sharp. The lock has a muted silver patina with some scattered light pitting and age discoloration. The lock plate markings are sharp. The patch box and brass furniture have been polished. The stock is good overall with moderate handling wear. This is a solid representative example of a Civil War Model 1841 rifle with Harpers Ferry alterations that include the desirable 1855 style long range rear sight.