U.S. Model 1842 "Mississippi" Rifle (AL5792)

This Robbins, Kendall and Lawrence manufactured U.S. Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifle is in its original 54 caliber percussion configuration. It gained its "Mississippi Rifle" nickname during the Mexican War due to its successful use by a Mississippi regiment commanded by Jefferson Davis. There were many alterations to the Model 1841 rifle prior to the Civil War. These included rerifling to 58 caliber, the addition of various rear sights, and alterations for bayonets. Very few rifles escaped one or more of these alterations. The overall length of this rifle is approx. 48.75". The 33" round barrel has a good dark bore with visible rifling.  The barrel has a gray-brown patina. It is marked US over JAG over P at the breech with a small H on the left flat. The lock has a brown patina with very light roughness. It is marked ROBBINS over KENDALL & over LAWRENCE over U.S. at the center and WINDSOR VT over 1847 (the 47 is very light) at the tail. The brass furniture are very good. The rear swivel and ramrod are present with the front swivel present but partially broken. The stock is good with chipping along the ramrod channel issue dents and dings. The two cartouches on the left flat are easily visible. The lock functions correctly. This is a reasonably priced example of one of the most handsome of the US rifles.