Identified Harper’s Ferry Mississippi Musket James T. Bradbury 6th Maine Infantry

Identified Harper’s Ferry Mississippi Musket James T. Bradbury 6th Maine Infantry - Inventory Number: RIF 196

He was Killed on 11/7/1863 at Rappahannock Station, VA

The original brown ink identification is an old brown ink label found mounted in the patchbox which reads: “J. T. Bradbury / Company “A” / Machias”. The paper exhibits a circular indentation which coincided with the recess in the patchbox and a clipped bottom corner where the spare cone was placed.

Accompanied by its original saber bayonet and scabbard with frog device, this Model 1841 Harpers Ferry “Mississippi” Rifle is in very good condition with an excellent bore still in .54 caliber, a stock with nice medium color and good edges, and metal with a tight fit, smooth surface, and crisp markings. The lockplate is marked HARPERS / FERRY / 1852 at rear of the hammer, with an equally sharp Harpers Ferry style eagle with shield over “U.S.” The barrel has good V/P/[eaglehead] proofs at left breech and the barrel its own inspector and proof initials slightly forward of that reading, J.P.G./P, the breechplug tang is also dated 1852.

The wood on the rifle rates very good, with nice warm tones, good edges, few handling marks and no big pressure dents or divots a portion of the cartouche is readily evident in the wood. The fit to the metal is tight. The patchbox edges are good as well. The metal is smooth bears a nice even smooth patina. The brass has a nice medium patina. The mechanics are good. There is a slight bit of freckling to the breech next to the bolster from firing. The lock plate wears an identical patina with crisp markings. The rod, bands, springs, and swivels are all in place.

The U.S. Model 1841 rifled gained fame and a nickname in the hands of Davis’s Mississippi Regiment in the Mexican War. It remained a popular arm and, in Moller’s words, “would become the basis for the widest variety of alterations of any arm in the U.S. military service.” As altered for bayonets and long-range use, they were just as popular or even more so. 

The regiment was heavily engaged in battles throughout its history.  The battle of Rappahannock after action reads in part: “Numerous instances of personal valor among the enlisted men of the regiment have come to my knowledge, too numerous, indeed, to mention in this hurried report, but I cannot refrain from asking your attention to the following two instances of unexampled courage and coolness: Sergt. Otis O. Roberts*, of Company H, with only 5 men, rushed upon the color-bearer of the Eighth Louisiana Regiment, who was in the midst of his color company, and after a hand-to-hand conflict, in which the bayonet was freely used, succeeded in capturing the colors, and compelling the whole company to surrender.”

James T. Bradbury of Machias, Maine - Enlisted into Company “C” of the 6th Maine Infantry as a Private on July 15th, 1861.  He was killed on November 7th 1863 while in Battle. 

An incredible example of a Harper’s Ferry Mississippi, cupled with an identification to a soldier who was Killed in Action!

* To purchase this item directly by credit card, please click this link.

Inventory Number: RIF 196