Description
This is an exceptional and extremely rare Harpers Ferry Arsenal conversion of a Harpers Ferry M1841 “Mississippi” rifle with a lock date of 1852 and a barrel date of 1850. It is one of the three types of alterations crafted at the arsenal to allow the use of a sword or sabre bayonet. The really unusual feature is that the muzzle has been altered to accomodate a sniper type crosshair sight more commonly seen on the M1855 Harpers Ferry rifles. The rear sight is an elongated base type which was soldered in place–a rare alteration in itself. Weapons like this were commonly given to the best shots in a regiment as their accuracy was incredible compared to most other long guns. The crosshair sight is NOT original to the gun–it is a modern reproduction–but it is an exact copy of the originals.
Overall, the condition is near fine and the bore is outstanding–if you ever wanted to shoot one of these historical arms, this one would be a great choice–but we do not guarantee 150+ year old weapons safe to fire–so have it checked out first!
The Model 1841 was one of the most elegant of all Civil War weapons used in the field by both Northern and Southern troops. At the outbreak of the Civil War, the majority of the weapons were in Southern arsenals so the odds of it being used by a Confederate is around 60-40 by guestimate!
This is a fine example overall of a premier grade weapon and you will NOT be disappointed.
