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U.S. Whitney Model 1841 "Mississippi Rifle" Dated 1846 w/ Civil War Modifications
Guns International #: 101046962 Seller's Inventory #: CBP18-38
Category: Whitney Rifles - Military Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Member Since: 4/27/15
State: Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 188
Total Number of Listings: 14857
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check
Description:
The Model 1841 "Mississippi Rifle" was Eli Whitney Jr.'s first contract gun when he took over full leadership of the Whitney Arms firm., which was the finest private Armory of the period. The Model 1841 percussion rifle featured a 33" inch round barrel with two brass barrel bands and was chambered in .54 caliber. It had seven-groove rifling and a browned finish on the barrel. It earned it's nickname the "Mississippi Rifle" from it's successful use during the Mexican-American War by the Jefferson Davis led unit called "The Mississippi Rifles", a volunteer regiment from the state of Mississippi. The U.S. Model 1841 was ultimately replaced by the U.S. Model 1855, and then the 1861 & 1863 Springfield muskets designed to fire .58 caliber "minnie balls". By the time of the Civil War the U.S. Model 1841 was considered old fashioned but effective, and in the rush to arm troops the U.S. Model 1841 was issued to some Union troops, notably the 45th New York Infantry (who carried them all the way thru Gettysburg). Many Confederate soldiers considered the short but accurate rifle to be a prize, and the "Mississippi Rifle" was carried by many Confederate cavalryman and sharpshooters units thru the entire war. This particular example of the U.S. Model 1841 was made in 1846, dated on both the barrel and lockplate. It is an all-original Model 1841 Whitney except it has been bored out to .58 caliber to use the standard minnie ball ammo which was standard U.S. issue, and the barrel-band sword bayonet lug (which is a reproduction part). The barrel-band sword bayonet lug was originally also a Civil War-era modification made to this model as the original design did not have a provision for it, but somewhere along the line the original part was lost. As you can see in the provided pictures, this U.S. Model 1841 rifle has a great look to it with a very even patina. The browned barrel shows a nice deep red/brown color and the barrel tang is stamped with the date "1846", which is faint but legible. Because this Whitney was bored out for loading .58 caliber minnie balls the rifling is gone, but the bore is fairly smooth and clean. It is free from bulges or dents or any major imperfections. The original lockplate has a nice gray patina to it and the original stampings are nice and legible. Below the hammer it is stamped "E. Whitney" over "U.S.". The hammer still goes to half cock and full cock. Behind the hammer it is stamped perpendicular to the rest of the lockplate "N.Haven 1846". The original stock and brass hardware are all in great shape. The brass hardware has a nicely aged patina to it, and it is all there and intact. The brass patchbox works perfectly and the spring that holds it closed or open is still nice and strong, and the brass buttplate is stamped on the top tang "U.S.". The stock is free from cracks, repairs, or any major damage, and only shows minor handling marks typical of an antique military rifle that was issued and used but well cared-for. The original inspector's cartouche is still visible on the left side of the stock to the rear of the brass lockplate sideplate(which is stamped with a tiny inspectors "H" itself). This is a nice representative piece of a very historically important military arm. It comes complete with an original sword bayonet which is also in good shape overall. The handle of the sword bayonet is stamped "B.H." on the top and small single letters on various parts. It does not quite latch all the way onto the Model 1841 Mississippi due to the repro bayonet lug, but it does go on enough to stay on for display purposes. If you have been looking for a Whitney for your collection this example would be a good choice. It would also make a really cool decorator in a man cave or living room over the fireplace.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Eli Whitney
Model: Model 1841
Serial Number: None
Caliber Info: .54 originally, converted to .58 Caliber
Manufacture Date: 1846