Remington U.S. Model 1841 “Mississippi” Rifle  1852 Dated  / SOLD

Description

Remington U.S. Model 1841 “Mississippi” Rifle 

1852 Dated 

A historic example of the U.S. Model 1841 percussion rifle, commonly called the “Mississippi Rifle.” This .54 caliber specimen was manufactured by Remington of Herkimer, New York and is lock plate dated 1852. 

The rifle’s patch box interior is marked “U.S. I. 55,” an inventory stamping consistent with initial US regular service issuance. The walnut stock bears the deeply incised initials “IK” on the left cheek, and additional initials are cut opposite the lock plate on the brass side-plate retention, providing strong evidence of period personalization by soldiers in the field. 

The metal surfaces exhibit a pleasing brown, textured patina with scattered pitting, most pronounced at the breech, consistent with hard Confederate use in the field. The nipple is an old replacement, and the musket currently lacks its hammer screw. 

The brass mountings retain a warm, untouched color, contrasting nicely with the dark stock. Despite wear, the rifle retains solid fit and a very presentable, completely honest appearance. 

Remington produced fewer than 10,000 Model 1841 rifles under contract, making their examples significantly scarcer than those by Whitney or Harpers Ferry. Many of these rifles, particularly those dated in the early 1850s, were issued to state militias before being pressed into heavy wartime use. Confederate forces are well documented to have captured and carried large numbers of Mississippi rifles, valued for their accuracy and reliability. The personalization and wear patterns on this example strongly suggest just such extended Southern service. Also likely due to the use of high mercury percussion cap use evident, and untouched originality—an outstanding piece for the advanced collector. 

Inventory Number: RIF 272