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**RARE**American – Mexican War & American Civil War Era 1849 Model 1841 U.S. Army Robbins & Lawrence .54 Calibre Muzzle Loading Percussion Mississippi Rifle. Sn 22568 - 22568 The United States military adopted these percussion rifles in 1841. They were the 1st percussion long arm adopted by the U.S Army. They were known as the 1841 Mississippi rifle. The nickname "Mississippi" originated in the Mexican–American War when Jefferson Davis was appointed Colonel of the Mississippi Rifles, a volunteer regiment from Mississippi. Colonel Davis sought to arm his regiment with Model 1841 rifles. At this time, smoothbore muskets were still the primary infantry weapon, and any unit with rifles was considered special and designated as such. Considered by many to be the most handsome of all U.S. military muzzleloaders, this cap-and-ball rifle was held in high regard by shooters of the era. As one 1840’s frontiersman said of the 1841 Model, it was “a weapon I cannot too strongly recommend for every description of frontier service, from its great accuracy and little liability to get out of order—an important point in a country where no gunsmith can be found.” The Mississippi was also popular with early plainsmen and other adventurers heading West. Many Mississippi Rifles were purchased from U.S. arsenals throughout the country and eventually were used in the California goldfields as a sidearm or hunting rifle. During the Civil War, the weapon was prized by Confederate soldiers and put to effective use by rebel riflemen. This excellent original Mississippi rifle has a steel action plate, heavy military hammer, sling swivels, regulation brass furniture and undamaged walnut stock which has just the light bumps and bruises consistent with age and use. One side of the shoulder stock is decorated with period brass inserts (it was common for Plainsmen and Militia troops in the era to decorate their gun stocks). The metal work has even patina. The stock has the correct brass hinged patch box. The brass butt plate tang is stamped ‘US’ indicating US Army issue. The lock plate is crisply marked: ‘Windsor VT’ together with 1849 date and ‘Robbins & Lawrence’ together with ‘US’ (Army)" (Denoting manufacture by Robbins & Lawrence, Windsor, Vermont for the US Army). The barrel has a small brass blade fore sight & leaf sights. The rifled bore of the 33” round steel barrel has staining and residue consistent with age and use. The rifle measures 48” overall length. The rifle has its original iron ramrod. The weapon’s cocking and firing actions work crisply. The price for this rare piece includes UK delivery. NB As a muzzle loading antique percussion firearm no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 22568
£2,250.00
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