1139

Fine U.S. Whitney Model 1841 Percussion Mississippi Rifle with Extra Sights

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,400.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Fine U.S. Whitney Model 1841 Percussion Mississippi Rifle with Extra Sights
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Estimate: $3500 - 5500
This is an example of a U.S. Model 1841 Rifle that was manufactured by the Whitney Arms Co., of New Haven, Connecticut in 1851. The rifle has a browned barrel, brass blade and fitted open rear sights, casehardened lock and hammer and brass furniture with the distinctive large brass patch box and the correct iron ramrod with a brass tip. The lock plate is marked: "N. HAVEN/1851" behind the hammer and "E.WHITNEY/US" in front of the hammer. The left side, breech end of the barrel is marked "US / GW / VP", the left flat is marked "STEEL", the barrel tang "1851" and the buttplate tang is marked "U.S." and "21/G". The varnished walnut stock has two oval inspection cartouches on the left flat. The Model 1841 was continually modified and saw extensive service with both Federal and Confederate forces during the first years of the Civil War. Also included is a globe front sight mounted on a steel ring which fits over the muzzle and a Redfield peep sight mounted on a homemade aluminum base which attaches to the lock plate left side of the stock by use of the side plate screws.
BBL: 33 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54 percussion
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Very fine. The barrel retains 80% original brown finish with some muzzle wear and an area between the front sight and forward barrel band of minor pitting. The hammer and lock have 60% case colors with the balance a smooth grayish brown patina. The brass components have a dark aged patina. The stock has had a coat of varnish applied and remains very fine with an area where the Redfield sight was that did not get varnished and overall scattered minor dings. The cartouches are excellent. The markings are clear and the action is excellent. The rifle would benefit greatly by throwing away the sights and cleaning the added protective varnish off.