The "Mississippi Rifle" was made famous by Jefferson Davis' unit during the Mexican-American War and was also widely used by both sides during the Civil War. Many were updated for use with bayonets and Minie balls. Colt purchased the rifles for $10 each, rebored and rifled them for .58 caliber ammunition using the original style of rifling, fitted split band bayonet adapters, and then sold them back to the government for $18.50 each paired with bayonets manufactured for Colt by Collins & Co. They had completed 10,200 by the summer of 1862 and thus had brought in over $86,000 while also giving Union soldiers handsome rifles adapted for bayonets and better ammunition. This example properly has seven-groove rifling, a brass tipped ramrod used on the original Model 1841 rifles, the standard brass blade, correct Colt Model 1855 three-leaf type sight with folding leaves at the front and rear, the split band around the barrel with a lug on the right, "902" on the band and barrel, "US/JCB/P" at the breech, "1851" on the barrel tang, "ROBBINS/&/LAWRENCE/U.S." at the center of the lock, "WINDSOR VT./1851" at the tail of the lock, "JM" and "W.A.T." cartouches on the left stock flat, "US" on the buttplate tang, and a spare nipple within the patch box. The bayonet is numbered "2796" and is dated "1861." A modern note within the patch box attributes the rifle as formerly owned by Brigadier General John Gazzam Butler (1842-1914) and then passed down through his family. Butler graduated from West Point in 1863 and served in the 4th Field Artillery and Ordnance Department.

Fine with 40% brown finish, dark blend of patina and original case colors on the lock, natural aged patina on the brass furniture, and generally minor wear. The stock is also fine with raised feathered grain, some minor dings and scratches, small chips at the toe, and distinct cartouches. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is fine and have mottled patina, light oxidation, and some pitting. A solid example of one of the most popular early U.S. martial arms updated by Colt for use in the Civil War.