November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
There were 25,296 of these rifles made between 1846 and 1855 at Harper's Ferry Armory. The name "Mississippi Rifle" came from the successful use of this rifle by a Mississippi regiment under the command of Jefferson Davis during the Mexican War. Rifled round steel barrel with 1859 angular socket bayonet alteration at the muzzle, turned down diameter and stud mounted on bottom. Front brass sight on top and notched rear sight. Breech stamped "US/GW/VP" and "STEEL" on left side, tang dated 1851. Flat percussion lockplate stamped in center with large eagle and "US", tail marked vertically "HARPERS/FERRY/1853." Standard brass Model 1841 furniture, including two piece patchbox with extra nipple inside and brass buttplate stamped "149/US" on tang. Plain full-length walnut stock and steel ramrod. Very good condition, all steel components polished and now retains light grey patina with some light edge wear and scattered light marks. Markings very good. Brass polished with some scattered light marks. Stock good, as refinished, with some edge wear and scattered marks from use. This is a nice example of a popular and well known and historic rifle that was probably used in the Civil War.