Description
This is a fine example of the US Model 1841 Rifle as manufactured during the Mexican War for US military use. Nicknamed the “Mississippi” due to use by troops led by future Confederate President Jefferson Davis, these weapons were reknown for their accuracy, power and reliability in the field of combat. This example is borderline very fine and the stock cartouches are near MINT as shown. It retains the original brass tipped iron ramrod but has been arsenal altered to .58 caliber instead of the original .54. 1844 was the first year of production by this maker.
Tryon manufacturing company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, made this one. Between 1844 and 1855, a total of 92,807 US M-1841 Rifles were produced by the National Armory at Harper’s Ferry, and by five contractors. Harper’s Ferry produced 25,207, or about 27% of all of the guns. Of the five contractors, the Eli Whitney Jr. Arms Company produced the largest number of M-1841 rifles delivering 27,600, or about 30% of the total production. Robbins & Lawrence was the second largest provider, producing 15,000 guns between 1848 and 1853. Their output represents about 16% of the total production. The firms of E. Remington & Sons and Robbins, Kendall & Lawrence (predecessor to Robbins & Lawrence) both delivered 10,000 arms, or just shy of 11% of the total production. The firm of George W. Tryon of Philadelphia produced and delivered only 5,000 arms, which was only about 5% of the total production.
A pair of very crisp inspectors’ cartouches are present on the stock flat, opposite the lock. The foremost cartouche is quite visible, and is a script JH and the rear most cartouche is a very clear WAT for US Ordnance Department inspector Captain William Anderson Thornton.
This fine weapon is absolutely stunning and is only lacking the small v-notch rear sight which appears to have been missing forever. Museum and investment grade weapon. It is noted that at least two other 1844 dated Tryon rifles are documented as used by the 41st Virginia Infantry, who served under Mahone’s Brigade and fought in many of the Army of Northern Virginia’s hardest battles. At Gettysburg, Mahone’s men were heavily engaged during the fighting on July 2, 1863. Issued Mississippi rifles such as this were prized by Confederate soldiers for their rugged construction and accuracy.
