Model 1841 Harpers Ferry Rifle with 1855 arsenal alterations. These alterations consisted of brazing a lug for a saber bayonet on the right side of the barrel, installation of a new, shorter, forward barrel band after shortening the forend, and installation of a "long range", folding leaf, rear sight graduated to 800 yards. The rear of the lock plate is marked: "HARPERS/FERRY/1850" vertically in three lines. "Eagle and shield/U.S." is stamped on the lock ahead of the hammer. The barrel tang is dated "1850". The left side of the barrel is stamped "AW/P" perpendicular to the bore followed by the usual arsenal "V/P/eaglehead" proof and inspection marks stamped parallel to the bore. "J L R" is stamped on the left side of the stock opposite the hammer. The barrel and trumpet head ramrod are bright, the hammer and lock casehardened, and the mountings are brass with a large patch box on the right side of the buttstock. Approximately 10,286 of this bayonet adaptation were made at Harpers Ferry, 1855 to 1857. This rifle also has the later military changes of the long range rear sight and the all iron trumpet head ramrod. Many of these rifles were rebored to 58 caliber, but this example is still 54 caliber with a seven groove rifled barrel. These rifles saw extensive service during the first several years of the Civil War in both the Union and Confederate Armies.

Very fine. All iron parts have a crisp smooth silver/gray patina with some scattered minor dings along the barrel. The long range rear sight retains 50% original nitre blue. All fine brass mountings have a smooth attractively aged golden patina. The stock is also very fine with overall scattered minor dents, a few very minor gouges on the top comb, and added finish. All markings are clear. Mechanically fine. A very nice Harpers Ferry Model 1841 rifle with an excellent bright bore!