1853 Remington-Herkimer U.S. Model 1841 “Mississippi” Rifle-Musket Remington-Herkimer U.S. Model 1841 “Mississippi” Rifle-Musket. A scarce 1853-dated U.S. Long Arm

Description

1853 Remington-Herkimer U.S. Model 1841 “Mississippi” Rifle-Musket Remington-Herkimer

U.S. Model 1841 “Mississippi” Rifle-Musket. A scarce 1853-dated U.S. Long Arm

Model 1841 rifle manufactured by Remington in Herkimer, New York, and arsenal-modified to rifle-musket configuration. This example features a modified Enfield-style ramrod, expertly threaded and cut to the proper barrel length indicating likely CS service, while retaining its original brass furniture and walnut stock with period service wear. The Model 1841, popularly known as the “Mississippi Rifle” for its famed use by Jefferson Davis’s regiment during the Mexican War, was the first U.S. military percussion rifle produced in large numbers. Initially made in .54 caliber, many were later altered to .58 caliber and adapted for long-range fire with bayonet fittings, aligning with evolving mid-19th century ordnance requirements.

By the mid-1850s, large numbers of these rifles were arsenal-modified into rifle-musket form, such as the present example, extending their service life into the carly years of the Civil War. These Remington-produced “Mississippi” rifle-muskets represent a significant transitional arm between the Mexican and Civil Wars-bridging the gap between early percussion rifles and the standardized .58 caliber rifle-muskets that would dominate Union and Confederate ranks.

Inventory Number: RIF 288