Presented here is a specimen of one of those “Good and Serviceable Arms” produced at the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia in the middle of the 1800s. Often referred to as the ‘Mississippi Rifle’, the shoulder arm is a U.S. percussion rifle, Model 1841, and it was one of 25,300 such rifles produced by that armory between 1846 to 1856. This single-shot, muzzleloader percussion-rifled barrel features the original .54 caliber barrel bored out to .58 caliber as directed by the US Secretary of War in July 1855 for all US shoulder arms. Barrel was modified with a bayo lug 4” from the muzzle to accommodate the brass-hilted sword bayonet. Barrel was also equipped with a long range rear sight.

Case hardened lockplate features a ‘spread eagle over U.S.’ forward of the hammer and to the rear, a three-line marking that reads “HARPERS / FERRY / 1850.” All markings are strong and clear. Overall length of the weapon is 48½” and weighs almost ten pounds. The factory lacquer-browned round barrel measures 33” in length. Date on barrel breech tang not discernable and proofmarks are obscured due to rust pitting. Each of these M1841 longarms had black walnut stocks fitted with brass furniture and a brass patchbox. All brass has acquired a rich, mellow bronze patina. The stock surface is oil finished and exhibits a very pleasing patina, smooth and hard. Stock bears normal dings and dents from use and storage and shows one light split at the top of the flat near the barrel breech. Light stamp marks “J.L.R.” visible on the stock flat opposite the hammer. No inspector marks visible. Lock plate and hammer have no case colors remaining but show scattered areas of dark oxidation and light rust.

Barrel appears to have been cleaned at one time and exhibits a mottled look from scattered fine rust pitting overall. Mechanics are strong and crisp. Rifling is blown out and bore suffers from pitting and surface grime. Original steel ramrod with its tapered / cylindrical head and threaded tip appear to be a variant from the more common brass head type. The well-made Model 1841 percussion rifle performed as a “Good and Serviceable Arm” for the US military and later for the Confederacy. Here is a veteran ‘Mississippi’ percussion rifle in very good condition overall.

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