The Model 1841 "Mississippi rifles" manufactured at the Whitney factory are historically significant to American firearms collectors as they were the first firearms manufactured after Eli Whitney Jr. took control of operations. Interestingly, despite manufacturing these rifles for over a decade on contract with the government, Whitney reported he never turn a profit off of these rifles due to the costs of tooling for them. The Mississippi Rifles saw their first significant use in the Mexican-American War, and many of these rifles saw use throughout the Civil War, especially in the South. The Model 1841 was also available for purchase by settlers as military surplus arms and were part of the settlement of the West. Many, including this writer, consider the Model 1841 to easily rank among the finest looking muzzle loading U.S. martial arms. This example has the standard markings and features and is dated "1850" on the lock and barrel tang. The stock has fine "JM" and "WAT" cartouches. A spare nipple is in the patch box.

Very fine with 95% all of the vivid original case colors on the lock, light aged patina on the brass, 60% original brown finish on the barrel which has patches of buffed oxidation/pitting, and scattered minor marks and scratches. The otherwise very fine stock has crisp cartouches, minor pressure marks, a crack on the left side of the forend, small filled holes, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent.