Colt alterations of "Mississippi Rifles" are described on p. 156-159 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III" by George Moller, and this rifle is featured on p. 157 and 158. It was converted to .58 caliber (seven-groove rifling) by Colt and features the Colt Model 1855 revolving rifle rear sight and ring mounted bayonet stud. These were fitted with saber bayonets originally numbered to the guns (this one not matching, most do not). In 1861, Colt purchased approximately 11,368 Model 1841 rifles from the Ordnance Department for $10.00 a piece which would have included pieces both from Harpers Ferry and government contractors. Colt then altered them for use with .58 caliber Minie balls and bayonets under an agreement to sell them all back once the alterations were performed. By June of 1862, Colt had sold 10,411 of the converted rifles back to the government for $18.50 a piece and made a quick and handsome profit, selling the rest to the state of Connecticut against his original agreement. Similar arms deals between the government and Colt earned both Samuel Colt and some top level officials a fair amount of ire. The barrel has a brass blade front sight, 500 yard Colt three-leaf rear sight, clamp-on band with bayonet stud marked "3739" as well as "3739" behind it on the barrel, "1 CC" and "B" on the left at the breech, and "1854" date on the tang. The lock is marked "E. WHITNEY/U.S." at the center and "N. HAVEN/1854" on the tail. The left stock flat has "JM" and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) cartouches. "US" is marked on the brass buttplate tang. "M" is marked on the side plate. A "GDM" collection mark is at the toe. Includes an 1861 dated saber bayonet marked with number "3021" on the flat of the hilt, leather sling, and a spare nipple and tool in the patch box. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good with smooth mottled brown patina on the barrel and lock, bright brass fittings, and general mild wear. Stock is fine with attractive original raised wood grain, some light scratches and dings, a small crack ahead of the rear lock screw, and chips on the edges of the barrel and ramrod channel. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is fine with some scattered light pitting on the blade.