The Model 1841 is the first official percussion rifle adopted by the U.S. Military. Approximately 10,000 Model 1841 Rifles were manufactured by Robbins, Kendall & Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont from 1845-1848. This example is one of approximately 961 Robbins & Lawrence Model 1841 rifles altered by an unknown party on contract with the state of New Hampshire with a bayonet lug on the right side of the barrel to accept a saber bayonet. The lug is affixed to the barrel with a screw through the foot and through the guide key, and marked with mating number "87". The lock is marked "WINDSOR VT./1847" at the tail and "ROBBINS/KENDALL &/LAWRENCE/US" at the center. "1847" (faint) dated barrel tang. "US/JAG/P" marked on top of the breech. Two bordered script inspection cartouches marked on the left flat including "WAT" (William A. Thornton). The name "W C Patten" is carved on the inside of the brass patchbox door. A June of 1863 New Hampshire Civil War draft record has been located for a 44 year old William C. Patten, a very likely candidate of the aforementioned carving. "U.S" marked buttplate tang. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. New Hampshire alteration Model 1841 rifles are described on pages 160-161 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III". Includes an Ames brass handled saber bayonet marked "777" on the flat of the handle, period leather sling, and tools in the patch box. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Good with mottled brown and gray patina on the iron surfaces, some light to moderate pitting, and crisp lock markings. Brass retains an attractive golden aged patina. Stock is very good with mostly defined edges, scattered dents and scratches, some mild gouges on both sides of the forend and on top of the wrist, a crack and a chip ahead of the rear lock screw, a crack ahead of the lock, a crack and a chip behind the lock, and some chips behind the barrel tang. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with some light to moderate pitting on the blade, sling is also very good with some light age related cracking.