Among the many variations made of the Model 1841 US percussion rifle, this shoulder arm was produced under government contract by the firm of Eli Whitney of New Haven, Connecticut.

One of 15,000 such rifles produced from 1848 to 1853, this single-shot, percussion-rifled muzzleloader features a .54 caliber, 33” long round barrel. Overall length of the weapon is 48½”.

Barrel is semi-bright with salt and pepper mottling and very light scattered pitting in some areas. Muzzle has brass blade front sight and notched rear sight. Breech is stamped with “US’ over “J.P.C.” over “VP.” Barrel tang is stamped with a light but readable 1853. Bore is good rifling is excellent.

Lockplate is bright and features a strong marking “E. WHITNEY / US” forward of the hammer. Rear of hammer is the two-line stamping “N. HAVEN / 1853.” Nipple is original and action works well.

The black walnut stock is fitted with brass furniture and a brass patchbox. All brass wears a light patina. Patchbox tang is stamped with a number “51” and opening the box reveals a musket tool tucked inside. Stock surface shows normal to moderate wear and bears scattered dings and dents from use and storage. One strong and one weak government cartouche is visible on the flat opposite the hammer. There is some burnout and a small chip out of the stock behind the nipple.

Brass buttplate features the “US” on the tang.

Correct brass tipped steel ramrod is present and is full length. [ad]

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