Lot 201: Maine Ames Alteration Whitney Model 1841 "Mississippi Rifle"

Ames alterations of "Mississippi Rifles" for the state of Maine are described on pages 155-156 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III" by George Moller, and the muzzle end of this rifle is pictured on the bottom of page 155 next to the caption, "The bayonet studs installed by Ames Manufacturing Co. on 595 Model 1841 rifles owned by the state of Maine in 1861 were similar to the studs which Ames had installed on Massachusetts rifles, but were attached by a mortise and three pins." The barrel has a brass blade front sight, fixed rear sight, bayonet stud with guide key for use with a saber bayonet, "US/SM" and "V/P" marked at the breech, and "1850" dated barrel tang. The lock is marked "E. WHITNEY/U.S." at the center and "N. HAVEN/1851" on the tail. "US" marked buttplate tang. GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a tool and spare nipple in the patch box, and a reproduction leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Good with brown patina on the barrel mixed with brown finish, some light pitting at the breech, strong traces of case colors on the hammer, and crisp lock markings. Stock is also good as sanded and re-oiled with some scratches and mild dings, a crack/absent section beneath the front band and to the left of the barrel, chips in the ramrod channel, and small chips behind the barrel tang and lock. Mechanically excellent.