The Model 1841 "Mississippi rifles" were the first firearms manufactured at the Whitney factory after Eli Whitney Jr. took over operations. Despite manufacturing these rifles under government contracts from 1843 to 1855, the company never turned a profit on them due to the cost of tooling. Though outdated by the time of the Civil War, many of these rifles were pressed into service for lack of sufficient arms, especially in the South. They received their famous nickname during the Mexican-American War when they were used by Jefferson Davis's 155th Infantry Regiment thanks to a political agreement between President Polk and the future president of the Confederacy. This example has the standard markings and features and is dated "1850" on the lock and barrel tang. The stock has crisp "JM" and "WAT" cartouches and a small "JH" behind the latter. A spare nipple is in the patch box.

Fine with 75% plus of the lightly fading original brown finish, 30% of the fading original case colors, significant original niter blue on the trigger, some minor oxidation and marks, and aged patina on the brass throughout. The stock is very fine and has smooth oiled finish, a few small nicks and dings, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. These U.S. Model 1841 Mississippi Rifles are seldom found in this fine condition!