U.S. Model 1841 "Mississippi" Percussion Rifle that was manufactured by the Harpers Ferry Armory in 1853. The Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured 25,296 Model 1841 rifles between 1846 and 1855. The Model 1841 Rifle achieved fame as the weapon used by the 1st Mississippi Regiment commanded by Jefferson Davis at the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican American War and was extensively used by both Federal and Confederate armies during the Civil War. With its browned barrel, case-hardened lock, brass furniture and distinctive over-size patch box, the "Mississippi Rifle" is considered by collectors to be the best looking of all U.S. military percussion longarms. During it's period of use the Model 1841 Rifle was considered to be the best weapon of its type. This rifle, like most Model 1841 rifles, was been re-bored from .54 to .58 caliber after the adoption of the .58 caliber hollow base, conical bullet ('Minie Ball') in 1855 and fitted with a steel tulip-head ramrod. The barrel has a brass front sight blade and retains the original fixed rear sight. The barrel has not been altered for a sword or socket bayonet. 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/1853" 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 "1853" and the barrel is stamped "U.S./JH/V/P". The U.S. property mark and "JH" inspection mark are stamped perpendicular to the bore and the "V/P" proof and inspection marks are stamped parallel to the bore. "STEEL" and a sub-inspection mark "M" are stamped on the left barrel flat. "U.S." is stamped on the top of the buttplate is small letters. The Ordnance inspection block initials "JLB" are stamped on the left stock flat. A rack number "7" is stamped on the top of the buttplate, "3" is stamped on the top of the lower barrel band and "30" is stamped on both branches of the upper barrel band. What appear to be the soldier initials "JB" are scratched lightly in script on the patch box.

Very good plus. The rifle is completely original and is in "attic condition"; it has never been cleaned or "improved" and remains in the condition in which it was carried during the Civil War. The browned barrel was apparently polished bright in the field and has aged to a dark brown patina. The barrel surfaces are generally smooth with the exception of the expected flash pitting on the bolster and adjacent areas of the barrel. The barrel markings are light but fully legible. The lock plate has a silver-gray patina with some scattered, minor, pitting; the markings are crisp. The hammer and bolster have a dark, untouched, patina. The brass furniture has a deep attractive patina. The stock is very good with moderate handling wear. This is a good looking untouched example of an important Civil War rifle that was widely used by both Confederate infantry and cavalry throughout the Civil War.