The "Mississippi Rifle" was made famous by Jefferson Davis' unit during the Mexican-American War and was also widely used by both sides during the Civil War. Many were updated for use with bayonets and Minie balls. Colt purchased the rifles for $10 each, rebored and rifled them for .58 caliber ammunition using the original style of rifling, fitted split band bayonet adapters, and then sold them back to the government for $18.50 each paired with bayonets manufactured for Colt by Collins & Co. They had completed 10,200 by the summer of 1862 and thus had brought in over $86,000 while also giving Union soldiers handsome rifles adapted for bayonets and better ammunition. This example properly has seven-groove rifling, a brass tipped ramrod as used on the original Model 1841 rifles, the standard brass blade front sight, correct Colt Model 1855 three-leaf type rear sight graduated up to 500 yards, "7232" marked on the bayonet lug, "US/JCB/P" marked at the breech, "ROBBINS/&/LAWRENCE/U.S." marked at the center of the lock, "WINDSOR VT./1851" marked at the tail of the lock, circled script "JH" (Joseph Hannis) and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouches marked on the left stock flat, boxed script "SJB" inspection cartouche marked on the left of the buttstock, "US" marked buttplate tang, and a spare nipple inside the patch box. Includes an "1862" dated brass handled saber bayonet marked "7781" on the flat of the handle.

Good, traces of period refurbished blue finish visible at the breech with mostly brown patina and scattered light to moderate pitting on the balance of the barrel, some wear to the markings, smooth gray and brown patina on the lock with clear markings, and moderate pitting on the hammer. Brass retains an attractive golden aged patina. Stock is very good with scattered scratches and dents, and legible cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with scattered light pitting on the blade, golden aged patina and numerous scattered small dings on the handle.