Rare Merrill Alteration U.S. Model 1841 Rifle (AL7269)

100 U.S. Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifles were altered from percussion muzzle loading to percussion breech loading in 1861/62 using the Merrill mechanism. This altered Harpers Ferry rifle is in superb condition. The 33" .58 caliber barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. The barrel has approx. 95% of its original brown finish. It has the standard blade front sight and two-leaf musket style rear sight. The barrel is marked at the breech with an AW over P with VP over eagle to the rear. The lock has the eagle over US at the center and HARPERS over FERRY over 1850 vertically at the tail. The lock has most of its original case colors. The added extra lock reinforcement screw and bolster clean out screw are present. The brass bands, trigger guard, patchbox, buttplate, and sideplate are excellent with a nice even aged patina. The spare nipple is in the patchbox and the buttplate tang correctly does not have US. The stock is excellent with sharp edges, no cracks or chips, and a strong JLR inspection stamp. The sling swivels and correct type iron headed ramrod are present. The action functions correctly. This is the finest Merrill altered Mississippi rifle we have ever seen. Don't miss it!