This is an exceptional original example of a U.S. contract Model 1841 rifle that was manufactured by Eli Whitney at the Whitneyville Armory in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1852. The rifle is in the original .54 caliber round ball configuration and has none of the alterations performed on most Model 1841 rifles prior to or during the Civil War. The rifle has a color casehardened lock plate and hammer with browned barrel. The trigger, screw heads, and band springs have a fiery niter blue finish. The buttplate, patch box, trigger guard, side plate and barrel bands are brass. The rifle has the distinctive over-sized brass patch box. The barrel has a half-moon shaped brass blade and a fixed rear sight. The steel ramrod has a flared brass tip. The lock plate is roll-stamped "N. HAVEN/1850" in two vertical lines behind the hammer and "E. WHITNEY/US" in two lines ahead of the hammer. "US" is stamped on top of the buttplate. The barrel tang is dated "1850". The top of the barrel is stamped with the proof and inspection marks "US/GW/V P". "STEEL" and small inspection initials "JH" stamped on the left barrel flat. The left stock flat is stamped with the Ordnance final inspection mark which consists of the Ordnance Sub-Inspector's script initials "JM" in a boxed border and the script initials "WAT" (William A. Thornton) within an oval border ahead of a small "JH". A small "M" Ordnance sub-inspection mark is stamped on the ramrod tip, trigger guard, upper barrel band, side plate, and patch box. Includes a spare nipple in the patch box. The Model 1841 rifle gained fame during the Mexican War when the 1st Mississippi Rifles commanded by Colonel Jefferson Davis and armed with Model 1841 rifles played a key role in the U.S. victory at Buena Vista. Initially issued to light infantry and the Regiment of Mounted Rifles, Model 1841 rifles saw wide use with both the Federal and Confederate armies during the Civil War. Most Model 1841 rifles were altered to .58 caliber, to accept bayonets, and/or fitted with long range sights prior to and during the Civil War. Unaltered Model 1841 Rifles in their original configuration are scarce.

Exceptionally fine, retains 90% original deep brown finish on the barrel with light muzzle wear, a small patch of light pitting 2 1/2 inches back from the muzzle on top of the barrel, and crisp markings. There is no wear on the percussion nipple, bolster or adjacent areas of the lock and barrel. Lock plate and hammer retain 75% original case colors with scattered light freckling. The brass retains a bright original patina. Stock is excellent with attractive original raised grain and defined edges, a few small chips and dents from handling, some light scratches, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Because of the wide usage these rifles received before and during the Civil War, a high condition U.S. Model 1841 "Mississippi Rifle" such as this one is considered very rare and desirable. This would make a fine addition to any U.S. Martial arms collection!