This single shot muzzleloading Model 1841 Mississippi rifle was manufactured by the firm of Robbins, Kendall & Lawrence of Windsor, Vermont in 1847/49 and is identified through a name inscribed on the inside surface of the patchbox door.

Barrel is .54 and has a surface that is semi-bright with moderate scattered specks of mottling and light pinprick pitting throughout. The rear sight is a notch while the front is a small brass blade. Breech is clearly marked “US” over “J C E” over “P” and has a good barrel date of “1849.” Bore has great rifling but has light surface dirt and pitting. Original nipple is present but slightly worn at top.

Lock and hammer are dark throughout except for a small spot behind the hammer. Lock has a very strong stamping of “ROBBINS, KENDALL & LAWRENCE” in three lines over “US” forward of the hammer and an equally clear “WINDSOR, VT. 1847” arranged in two vertical lines behind. Action works properly but is a little weak.

Wood stock is in excellent condition. There are some small dings and dents consistent with age and use but no visible cracks. The flat opposite the lock displays two faint inspector’s cartouches.

All furniture is brass and lightly cleaned. Both iron sling swivels are present with the forward swivel being held in place with wire. The ramrod is full length with threaded tip and brass trumpet head. All screw heads are bright. Buttplate tang has crisp “US.”

Right side of the butt has the brass patchbox which when open reveals a drilled hole for an extra nipple. Scratched into the brass interior surface of the patchbox door is “L. D. SHEMWELL 1861.”

Research reveals only one soldier with these initials and last name. He is Lorenzo D. Shemwell who served in the 7^th North Carolina Infantry.

Shemwell was born in Davidson County, North Carolina in 1839. He was a 22 year old teacher when he enlisted as a Corporal in Company F, 7^th North Carolina Infantry on June 29, 1861. By September of that year he was a Sergeant and in January of 1862 he rose to 1^st Sergeant.

The regiment saw its first action at Roanoke Island on February 8, 1862 and then at New Berne the following March 14^th.  Not long afterward Sergeant Shemwell fell sick. He was eventually sent home to recover. In mid-September of 1862 he reported to St. Charles Hospital in Richmond where he was found to be suffering from pulmonary phthisis or tuberculosis. He was officially discharged for disability on September 27, 1862. His records show that he was administered the Oath of Allegiance on June 13, 1865 in North Carolina.

Internet records reveal a will written by Shemwell in June of 1872 and being probated in 1874 so death must have occurred within those two years. His last resting place is not known.

Military records come with the weapon. [AD]

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