4,000 muzzle loading Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifles manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence of Windsor, VT were originally issued to the State of Massachusetts. Of these, 103 examples had a section of barrel removed at the breech end and were altered to the Lindner breech loading system in late 1861; 100 of those altered by Allen & Morse of Boston, MA, and 3 altered by Amoskeag Manufacturing Company of Manchester, NH. This rifle was inspected and modified by Augustine J. Drake of Boston with a block front sight post for mounting a socket bayonet before subsequently being sent to receive its Lindner conversion. The locking "screw-sleeve" on this rifle is marked with serial number "62" on the underside and "PATENTED/MAR. 29 1859" on top in reference to Edward Lindner's patent number 23,378. Lindner's breech loading system utilizes a locking "screw-sleeve" coupling that joins the breech end of the barrel to a tip-up threaded breech block with a chamfered face. To load, the knob on the screw-sleeve is rotated to counterclockwise using the right hand, which allows the spring loaded breech block to tip upwards for loading with a combustible paper cartridge or loose powder and ball. Once loaded, the spring loaded breech block is pushed down and held with the left thumb, and the screw-sleeve is rotated clockwise gripping the knob with the right hand; creating a tight gas seal. These Lindner conversion rifles have a distinctive reinforcing metal plate ahead of the trigger guard fixed with a wedged pin. The iron upper tang has a plugged hole where a peep sight may have been mounted. The barrel has a .54 caliber seven groove bore. The breech block is marked "U.S./J.P.C./P". Left side stock flat marked with two boxed script cartouches "WAT" (William A. Thornton) and "LBC" (Luke B. Chase). Includes Drake pattern socket bayonet marked "D.65", tool, extra nipple, and a scanned copy of a May 1965 Gun Report article titled "The Lindner Conversion of the Mississippi Rifle" by Warren Hay.

Fine, retaining 60% plus original brown finish on the barrel and breech with some muzzle wear from bayonet mounting, handling marks, and wear on the breech and tang with some mild flash pitting. Casehardened lock and hammer turned to a gray mixed with mottled brown patina. Brass fittings excellent with an attractive bright original patina. Stock is also fine with some cracks on both sides of the breech area (common on these Lindner alterations), with scattered dings and scratches, and nice cartouches. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very good. An opportunity to own one of the rarest breech loading rifles of the Civil War!