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HARPERS FERRY MODEL 1841 RIFLE WITH TYPE III ALTERATION

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Very rare and exceptional condition Model 1841 “Mississippi” rifle with Type III alterations performed at the Harpers Ferry Armory.  The Type III alteration increased the bore diameter from .54 to .58 caliber and changed the rifling to three grooves.  A long-range rear sight and bayonet lug were also added.  This alteration was completed in fiscal year 1859 (July 1, 1859 to June 30, 1860) as denoted by the bright barrel finish (vice browned finish).  1,904 rifles were altered at Harpers Ferry that year, 842 of those were left in .54 caliber (leaving a total of 1,062 rifles of this .58 caliber type produced).

Principal markings include:  Lock:  “US”; “HARPERS FERRY” (manufacturer); “1851” (date of manufacture).  Barrel: “1849”; “VP” and eagle head logo (“viewed & proved”); “AW” and “P” (Alexander Wentzel, barrel sub-inspector 1848-1850).  Stock:  “JLR” (John L. Rowe, Harpers Ferry Rifle Manufactory foreman).

Of note, Moller reports that mixed barrel and lock dates are common on Harpers Ferry rifle alterations due to the nature of the process using donor guns stored in the arsenal building.

The condition is Fine with some minor staining on the bright barrel and with 98 percent blue finish remaining on the long-range rear sight.  The bore is also exceptional with strong rifling and the gun has its proper ramrod added for use with the new .58 caliber Burton ball.  There is also a spare cone housed in the patch-box.  The stock has some minor handling dings, but overall it is in excellent condition.  Bottom Line: This example will be very difficult to upgrade.

Wonderful opportunity to obtain a very rare and desirable Model 1941 rifle variant (only 1,062 made) produced at Harpers Ferry just prior to the Civil War!  If you’re only looking for one Mississippi rifle, it doesn’t get better (or more interesting) than this example!  [sk][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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