A Superb Whitney Model 1841 U.S. Percussion “Mississipi” Rifle Dated 1850 Lock And Barrel.
This is a genuine “Blue Chip” investment quality rifle. The barrel retains 95+% percent brilliant tobacco brown with perfect markings. Lock retains most fading color casehardening. All screws retain most original bright bluing. Nipple is perfect. Hammer with mottled casehardening. Unpolished unmarked brass furniture.
Beautiful figured walnut stock with perfect WAT, William A. Thornton and “SK” for Samuel Knous inspector’s marks.
Patchbox screws with 90% brilliant niter bluing. Interior of patchbox is perfect with original extra blued nipple. Trigger with brilliant blue. Bore with 7 groove rifling is mint unfired. Original ramrod.
Eli Whitney said “I spent thirteen of my best years with the Model 1841 and really never made a profit.” There is an abundance of near mint Remington Zouave rifles. Near mint Mississippi’s are extremely rare.
This gem was in a major dealer’s personal collection for 25 years. Even has its original wooden tompion. A genuine 9 on a 10 scale. The finest example we have seen in many years. The best since one we bought Francis E. Fowler’s collection from U.C.L.A. in the 1980’s. That one was new from Bannerman’s but it had a large gouge in the fore-end.
Compare also this recent sale of an equivalent Whitney Mississippi:
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/82/142/us-contract-whitney-model-1841-percussion-mississippi-rifleDo not miss out on this superb U.S. martial percussion rifle. We welcome your in-person inspection of this rifle at our Culver City, California, location just 10 minutes from LAX. The Mississippi is regarded by most collectors as the most handsome U.S. percussion longarm. We agree!