Massachusetts Lindner alteration rifles are described on pages 178-181 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III", with this exact rifle photographed on page 179. 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, Massachusetts, and 3 altered by Amoskeag Manufacturing Company of Manchester, New Hampshire. 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 "19" 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 counter clockwise 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 would have been mounted at the time of it's Lindner alteration. The barrel has a .54 caliber seven groove bore. The breech block is marked "U.S./L.B.C./P". Left side stock flat marked with two faint boxed script cartouches. The Robbins & Lawrence lock is dated 1850. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes Drake pattern socket bayonet, leather sling, wood tampion, tools and extra nipple Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good, retaining 25% original brown finish on the barrel with wear and handling marks. The breech and upper tang are turned to a smooth gray patina with some light flash pitting. Casehardened lock and hammer turned to a gray. Brass fittings retain an attractive bright patina. Stock is also very good with original raised grains, scattered dings and scratches, and cracks on both sides of the breech area and ahead of the lock (common on these Lindner alterations). Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is fine. A rare opportunity to own one of the rarest breech loading rifles of the Civil War!