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 49" overall and does not have a bayonet lug added to the barrel. The 33" round barrel has seen some intense shooting. The seven groove rifling has been shot out, gauging out at .60 caliber. The bore is still somewhat bright with scattered light pitting along the entire length. The exterior of the barrel has a smooth surface with minimal pitting, mainly around the bolster and breech area. The barrel displays dark steel gray patina. 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 JCB/P to the left of the bolster. There is no date stamped on the barrel tang. The lock plate is marked ROBBINS & LAWRENCE/US in horizontal lines forward of the hammer and WINDSOR VT./1851 in vertical lines to the rear of the hammer. The lock plate has a smooth surface and a dark 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 brass side plate has sub inspector letter M stamped. It is the only brass piece with a sub inspectors mark. The US stamp on the butt plate is clear and is stamped parallel to the barrel. There are also two rack numbers stamped into the butt plate tang, 101 running parallel to the barrel and the number 22 running perpendicular. The spare nipple inside the patch box is missing, however there are about 15 period large caps in the patch box.There are two initials in old white paint inside the patch box, SK. There are no provisions for sling swivels. The brass tipped ram rod is 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 cartouches, one oval and one block. I can't make out the initials in either one. The stock has no cracks what so ever, just the normal bumps and bruises from normal handling. While this one came along to late for the Mexican War, these beautiful rifles were used by both sides during the Civil War. Mostly likely this 41 was Confederate used!

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