In the late 1850s the U.S. Ordnance Department standardized their long arms to .58 caliber. When the Civil War broke out, Samuel Colt purchased a reported 11,368 U.S. Model 1841 rifles from the Federal Government for $10 each, bored the barrels out to .58 caliber with seven groove rifling from their original .54, added long range rear sights, and modified the rifles to accept a Collins & Company saber bayonet by adding a slip ring clamp with a guide stud on the right side of the barrel. Colt sold approximately 10,200 of his altered rifles back to the Federal Government by May of 1862. The rifle barrel is matching serial numbered "4453" on the right side and on the ring clamp, with all of these rifles numbered to match the saber bayonets associated. The rifle still retains its early ramrod with the brass head, although most of these rifles received a ramrod with an integral iron head cupped for the newly adopted "Minie ball". The rifle originally had a brown barrel that was polished bright at the time of its alteration. Casehardened lock and hammer. The lock is marked "E. WHITNEY/U.S." in front of the hammer and "N. HAVEN/1855" at the tail of the lock. The barrel tang is dated "1855". The top left of the breech is marked "US/J.H./V P". The left barrel flat is stamped "CC", "STEEL" and "JH" (John Hawkins). The left stock flat is stamped with two faint cartouches. Smooth one piece straight grip stock with a brass patch box and fittings.

Fine, retaining a bright polished barrel with some light flash pitting at the breech, 98% vivid refinished/refurbished case colors on the lock, and attractive bright patina on the brass. Stock is fine as re-oiled with finely raised feathered grain, a chip on top behind the comb, and some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.