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Item No.:	8250	Price :	SOLD
Item :	COLT ALTERED WHITNEY U.S. MODEL 1841 RIFLE

Description :

This is an original, U.S. Model 1841 Rifle Manufactured by Eli Whitney of New Haven, CT. in 1853. Whitney produced 26,500 of these rifles under 4 separate contracts between 1843 and 1855. Known as the "Mississippi" rifle by virtue of its service with Jefferson Davis's Mississippi Regiment in the Mexican American War, the Model 1841 soldiered on into the Civil War. It was used by both sides. In addition, settlers bound west on the Oregon Trail could purchase one of these rifles from the government. They are referrred to as jaegers or yaugers in contemporary accounts. Originally, the M1841 fired a patched .54 round ball. This rifle was altered by Colt in 1861 for service in the Civil War. These alterations included boring the rifle to .58 caliber and fitting it with a Colt leaf rear sight. In addition a clamp on bayonet lug was added for a saber bayonet. The Colt Alteration is a known type, with about 5,000 produced. The rifle is in very good condition. The barrel is a mostly smooth pewter color. There is some light surface pitting in some areas. The pitting is more significant around the bolster. The lock and hammer have a dark brown, almost black patina. There is some pitting here also. The brass stock furniture has a nice golden bronze patina. The lock works well and the nipple is in great shape. The bore is dark with some pitting, but the rifling remains strong throughout. The stock is very good with the usual small dings and scratches from use. A faint inspector's cartouche remains visible on the left flat of the stock. The later Colt inspector's cartouche is visible on the left side of the butt. The bayonet lug, which was removable, is missing. The Mississippi Rifle is a great historic arm, with service in two wars and America's Westward expansion. Stock no. 21610

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