This is a Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifle produced by George W. Tryon of Philadelphia, Pa. He received a contract to produce 5,000 of these rifles, making a Tryon Mississippi rifle very collectible. This particular rifle appears to be 100% original and measures 48 1/2" overall. The 33" round barrel is still the original .54 caliber. The seven groove rifling is strong, while the bore is turning dark with scattered light pitting along the entire length.The exterior of the barrel has a dark brown appearance. The area around the bolster and top of the breech has moderate pitting. The remainder of the barrel has a smooth surface. The rear sight is a simple V notch, while the front sight is a small brass blade sight. These are original to the weapon, as this rifle was sighted for 50 yard distances. Experienced riflemen were expected to be able to effectively apply "Kentucky" windage and elevation for targets at further distances. The barrel is stamped US/NWP/P to the left of the bolster. The proof P is within a depressed starburst, as only Tryon contract barrels were. The date on the barrel tang is no longer legible. The barrel has been altered with the addition of a period added lug to accept a saber bayonet. The lock plate is marked TRYON/US in horizontal lines forward of the hammer and PHILADA/PA/1846 in vertical lines to the rear of the hammer. The lock plate and hammer have a matching dark patina. Both have a light pitting on the surface. The mechanics of the lock are excellent. The hammer holds at half and full cock and snaps forward, striking the original nipple squarely when the trigger is depressed. This little beauty even has a nipple protector and chain with it. The brass furniture has a dull medium mustard patina that makes this rifle glow! The two barrel bands and brass side plate have no sub inspector stamps. The trigger guard assembly is stamped with WJ, while the butt plate is sub inspector stamped H. The US stamp on the butt plate is the smaller sized lettering, and is stamped parallel to the barrel. Again, this is unique to Tryon guns, as all other contractors stamped the US on the butt plate perpendicular to the barrel. The patch box has no sub inspector stamp, but on the inside of the box plate the number 11 has been stamped. There are also the letters WILL scratched onto the bottom edge of the plate. Inside the patch box a period correct replacement nipple still resides. The sling swivels and brass tipped ram rod are period correct. The walnut stock is full length and has an eye pleasing medium chocolate appearance. On the flat opposite the lock plate the block letters JHK are stamped. The stock is cracked at the front barrel band retention spring on the right side, both fore and aft of the spring. It is also cracked on the left side just behind the front barrel band and runs almost to the ramrod channel. There is a small stress crack in the patch box that runs from the rear lip of the box to the butt plate. The remainder of the stock is practically blemish free. In my opinion the Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifle is the best looking military rifle ever produced. First used in the Mexican War, and later by both sides during the American Civil War, these guns are very collectible. Chances are if you do collect them you don't have this variant yet!

Item # AA1005

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