This is a Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifle produced by Samuel Robbins & Richard Lawrence of Windsor, Vermont. Robbins & Lawrence, formerly Robbins, Kendall & Lawrence, received a contract on 5 January, 1848, to produce 15,000 of these rifles at the rate of 3,000 per year. This Mississippi rifle measures 48 1/2" overall and has had a bayonet lug added to the barrel. 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 most of the original brown remaining, with the remainder having a dark steel gray patina. The area around the bolster has moderate pitting, while 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/JH/P to the left of the bolster. The left barrel flat is also stamped with a small JH. The date stamped on the barrel tang is 1849. The barrel has been altered with the addition of a period added lug to accept a bayonet. The lug is stamped with the number 121, a common Confederate trait. The lock plate is marked ROBBINS & LAWRENCE/US in horizontal lines forward of the hammer and WINDSOR VT./1849 in vertical lines to the rear of the hammer. The lock plate has a mottled steel gray patina. The hammer still retains some of the case color. 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. The brass furniture has a dull medium mustard patina that makes this rifle glow! The double strap barrel band, brass side plate and butt plate all have sub inspector letter B stamps. The trigger guard assembly and patch box both have sub inspector M stamps. Only the rear barrel band is without a sub inspector mark. The US stamp on the butt plate is clear and is stamped parallel to the barrel. The spare nipple inside the patch box is missing. 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 are two oval cartouches. The forward oval cartouche is JH, while the rear one has the letters WAT within an oval. The stock has no cracks what so ever, just the normal bumps and bruises from normal handling. This pretty little Mississippi comes with a period correct leather sling that remains in very good condition. The leather has no rips or tears and all the stitching remains strong. This is the second Model 41 listed this week, just wish I could put one on every week! First used in the Mexican War, these beautiful rifles were used by both sides during the Civil War. Mostly likely this 41 was Confederate used!

Item # AA1013

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