^Lot 3244 COLT ALTERED 1841 WHITNEY MISSISSIPPI PERCUSSION

RIFLE. Cal. 58. NSN. Bbl. 33". Brass blade front sight. Colt 1855 Revolving Rifle style rear sight. Rear sight is loose & moves freely. In 1861 Colt purchased about 11,368 Model 1841 rifles from the Ordnance department for $10 each. They altered these rifles to use .58 cal Minie balls & saber bayonets. These conversions also utilized a long range rear sight similar to that of the 1855 revolving rifles. Colt sold the majority of these altered rifles back the government for the price of $18.50 each & thus made a handsome profit. Center of lock marked "E.WHITNEY U.S.". Rear of lock marked "N. HAVEN 1854". Rear of bbl. marked "US S.K.", "VP" & "STEEL". Upper tang also dated 1854. Tang of buttplate marked "U.S.". Bayonet lug & front of bbl. both numbered "6884". Walnut stock w/ brass furniture. Left stock flat has large carved "H", Trumpet shaped ramrod present. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: brass handled saber bayonet numbered "9502" & dated 1862. Bayonet shows scattered oxidation & is an overall dull yellow & gray patina. Also included are a spare nipple & a nipple tool. CONDITION: stock has older oil finish w/ softened edges, a small crack near sideplate, some chips, scattered dings & handling wear. Brass parts are turning to a mustard patina w/ scattered oxidation & dings. Balance of metal is a dull gray patina w/ scattered oxidation. Bore shows scattered oxidation but evident rifling. PROVENANCE: From the Lifelong Collection of Glen E. Mattox. (01-22508/MJC). ANTIQUE. $1500-1800.