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SCARCE ROBBINS AND LAWRENCE COLT ALTERATION M1841 RIFLE

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Here we present a Colt Alteration of a Robbins & Lawrence U.S. Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle, manufactured circa 1850 in Windsor, Vermont as part of a 10,000 rifle contract with the Ordnance Department. Design work on the Model 1841 began in 1840. The result was a hefty 9 pound rifle chambered for the .54 round ball. The Harpers Ferry Arsenal had just completed production of the Hall Rifle when it also took on production of the Model 1841. Production continued at Harpers Ferry from 1841 until 1861, with over 25,000 produced by 1855 alone. It was adopted by U.S. Army forces and became the first standard production percussion rifle. The .58 Minie became the standard for the Army and many existing model 1841s were reworked to support it – including this example.

The “Mississippi Rifle” was made famous by Jefferson Davis’ unit during the Mexican-American War and was also widely used by both sides during the American Civil War. Many of them were updated by Colt for use with bayonets and Minie balls. Colt purchased the rifles for $10 each, rebored and rifled them for .58 caliber ammunition using the original rifling, fitted split band bayonet adapters, and sold them back to the U.S. Government for $18.50 each paired with bayonets manufactured for Colt by Collins & Company. They had completed 10,200 by the summer of 1862 and thus had brought in over $86,000 while also giving Union soldiers handsome rifles adapted for bayonets and better ammunition.

The condition of this rifle is nice, with some of the original browned finish remaining on some applicable gunmetal surfaces – the rest are bright and free of pitting and rust.  The 33” barrel features a nice bore with strong rifling and all mechanics work as new.  All brass has a nice, mellow hue with no oxidation and only minor, localized scratches. The oil finished stock remains in a lovely condition, with a rich red to brown color and some minor wear and scratching in several areas as shown.  An inspector cartouche is stamped to the rear of the side plate.  The barrel tang is stamped “1851” while the lockplate is marked “WINDSOR, VT 1850” and “ROBBINS AND LAWRENCE U.S.”.  The top of the barrel at the breech is marked “U.S”, “SK” and “P” in three lines.

Overall, this rifle is in an excellent condition for its age and would be a fine addition to any collection.  [cm][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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