This is an excellent example of an original Model 1841 Harpers Ferry "Mississippi" Rifle, that has the later 1855 Arsenal upgrades. These alterations basically consisted of: (1) reboring the barrel from .54 to .58 caliber and (2) installing a "long range", sliding/folding rear sight. The rear sight has a folding tangent rear sight. The standing rear sight blade is marked "200" and the face of the folding rear sight is marked in increments of 100 yards, from 3-7. The additional long range sliding rear sight, has a "v" notch on the lower section with an additional "v" notch on the top with an unmarked faces. The rear of the lock plate is marked "HARPERS/FERRY/1853" vertically in three lines. The Eagle and Shield motif above "U.S." is stamped on the lock ahead of the hammer. The barrel tang is dated "1853" and the left rear side of the barrel is stamped "W-W" perpendicular to the bore followed by the U.S. Government "V/P" firing proofs. It has the standard Model 1841 walnut stock with two brass barrel bands and a brass patch box/lid and the left side flat has the small inspector's initials of "JLB". The patch box holds a spare nipple, a bullet pulling jag/worm for the cleaning rod with an original U.S. type folding screwdriver. This rifle is complete with an original White Buff leather sling. The sling is very nicely stamped/marked "S.H. Young & Co. Newark, N.J." over "R. White U.S. Ord. Dept. Sub Inspector". These rifles saw extensive service during the first several years of the Civil War in both the Union and Confederate Armies.

Extremely fine with 85% plus of the original armory brown finish on the barrel. The lock plate and hammer have turned a gray patina overall with clear sharp markings. The trigger guard, patch box and buttplate have a very nice original mustard yellow brass patina, while the barrel bands may have been lightly cleaned (not sanded or buffed) a long, long time ago and now have a duller aged looked. The stock is excellent with a nice original medium brown color overall with minor handling marks with clear inspector initials. The buff sling is in excellent condition with a nice semi-white original leather appearance with the leather being nice and pliable. The inspector stamps are nice and distinct. An exceptional original example of a scarce upgraded long-range Model 1841 Mississippi rifle.