December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2021
US M1841 "Mississippi Rifle" originally manufactured by Robbins and Lawrence. During 1861, Mississippi rifles were sent to Boston gunsmith Augustine J. Drake for alteration to use with socket bayonets and changing of sights to the 1858 rear sight and period regulation musket front sight. 33" round barrel in .58 caliber rifled with 1858 two leaf rear sight and 1855 blade front sight. Full length cupped tulips head ramrod. There was a saber bayonet lug on right side of barrel but this was removed during alteration process. Barrel is alteration numbered "218" on underside at breech. Lock is marked "Robbins / & / Lawrence / U.S." ahead of hammer and "WINDSOR VT" / "1843" behind hammer. Barrel is dated 1849 near breech and is marked "US / J.P.C. / P". Both cartouches are lightly present on stock but are illegible. 1 piece walnut stock with brass barrel bands, brass storage compartment, and brass US marked buttplate. Below "US" buttplate is marked "72" / "F" and is unit marked "51 MASS" on buttplate heel. The 51st Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment took part in several battles and operations in the American Civil War including The Occupation of Harper's Ferry in July of 1863 and the Pursuit of Lee after the Battle of Gettysburg, losing a total of 44 men to disease during their September 1862-July 1863 service history. CONDITION: Excellent for its age with polished bright barrel covered in age related freckling. Lock is a dark gray patina and covered with a protective layer of varnish. Brass mountings are bright as cleaned with a protective layer of varnish added. Stock is excellent as lightly sanded and finish added with handling marks throughout. Action is tight with two crisp stops at half and full cock. Bore is frosted with abrasion toward muzzle from use with corrosive black powder and crisp rifling. TON
Manufacturer
Robbins & Lawrence