This is a rare gun from one of the premiere collections of the 20th century. This is a fine looking original "Mississippi" pattern rifle. This is officially known as the U.S. model 1841 rifle. They got their "Mississippi" nickname during the Mexican War when a regiment under the Command of Jefferson Davis of Mississippi used them with great effectiveness. They stand out from across the room because of all of the brass furniture they use. They have the classic brass patchbox, triggerguard, buttplate, barrel bands and even the tip of the ramrod has brass. This one has the manufacture date of 1855 on the lockplate to accompany the very desirable maker's mark of the famous armory at Harpers Ferry. During the production run at Harpers Ferry a total of 25,207 Model 1841 rifles would be produced between 1844 and 1855. Of those, nearly 9,000 would be altered at Harpers Ferry to accept bayonets and would receive new, long-range rear sights. This is one of those later alterations, which took place during fiscal years 1857-1859. According to Moller's research about 4,500 Harpers Ferry Model 1841 Rifles received this alteration, some being newly altered guns that were previously in their original configuration and others being re-alterations of previously modified rifles. He further notes that most of the Type III guns were bored out to .58 caliber, with only about 25% remaining in .54 caliber, like this rifle. This is this one is still in the correct and original Type IB configuration. The gun retains the screw-adjustable ladder rear sight, known as the Benton Sight, the first long range adjustable sighting system to be applied to M1841 Rifles at Harpers Ferry. In the end, it was found that these were simply too fragile for field use and were equally difficult to use. As such, many Type I alterations later received sliding ladder sights to replace the Benton sight. It is also equipped with the bayonet lug with 1 inch guide key on the right side of the barrel, near the muzzle. The first Type I alterations received a ring bayonet. To make room for the bayonet's hilt Harpers Ferry shortened the forestock and added newly made, shorter upper barrel bands, being 2-1/2 inches long rather than the regular 3.375 inches. This rifle retains all the correct parts as well as the sling swivels, and a Harpers Ferry all iron ramrod that was added to some alterations for use with conical ball ammunition. They are considered by many people, including myself to be one of the most attractive weapons in U.S. military history. The action of the lock works superbly on all positions. All of the brass parts have an attractive look with a mustard color patina. This is the style that was Converted at Harpers Ferry. The barrel is full length and you can see the correct inspector marks at the breech to go along with the 1849 production date. On the back side of the barrel you can see the "WWP" inspector stamp. Inside the bore you can still clearly see the lands and grooves all the way down. The stock on this gun has a rich look with a fine grain to the walnut. On the flat of the stock opposite of the lockplate it has the outlines of the inspector cartouche stamps. This is where the government inspector approved the weapon for military use. There is a small GDM stamp is present near the buttplate in the toe of the stock to indicate ownership by the late George D Moller, author of the amazing book on American military longarms. According to Moller's research some 1,041 Harpers Ferry made M1841 Rifles were returned to the arsenal from the Washington Arsenal during Fiscal Year 1855 to receive the Type IB modifications of the Benton sight and saber bayonet lug. The guns were left in their original .54 caliber configuration. Some of these were later further upgraded to Type IIB rifles with the new rear sight. This is a great looking "Mississippi" rifle from the famous Harpers Ferry Arsenal with the rare Type 2B alterations.

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All items are described to the best of our ability. Remember that the only true experts died 100 years ago. If we make a mistake we will make it right. It is always best to call and reserve an item as most of them are unique. We do out best to keep the web-site up-to-date but sometimes items sell out of the office or at a show and aren't removed immediately. After you place your order and receive confirmation from Shiloh Relics. The item will be held for 7 days for the payment to arrive. If payment is not received within 7 days the item will be placed back for sale. Please call between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM Central Time. A minimum charge of $10.00 will be added to cover shipping. Items can be shipped UPS or USPS Priority Mail. Tennessee residents must include 9.75% sales tax. All items are 100% GUARANTEED. If for any reason you are unhappy with the relic just return it UNALTERED within 5 days for a refund minus shipping charges and restocking fee of 6%. Layaways can be arranged on items over $100. Layaway terms are; 1/3 down and 1/3 in 30 days with balance due in full in 60 days. Due to time factors there are no refunds or price discounts on layaways. Only 1 item may be in lay-a-way at a time unless approved by Shiloh Relics. We reserve the right to refuse service to rude people. We are always buying and trading so feel free to make an offer. Thanks for stopping by! Rafael & Catherine Eledge, Owners of ShilohRelics.com.

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