U.S. Model 1841 Percussion Mississippi Rifle by Robbins & Lawrence

U.S. Model 1841 Percussion Mississippi Rifle by Robbins & Lawrence. .58 cal., 33” barrel with a dark about good bore with strong rifling which is worn near the muzzle. The brass mountings for which this rifle is famous are an attractive goldenrod patina with the exception of the patchbox and buttplate which have aged to a mustard hue with fine speckles of pinprick pitting and tarnish. The lockplate is marked “ROBBINS / & / LAWRENCE / U.S.” ahead of the hammer and “WINDSOR VT / 1849” to the rear, and the tang of the buttplate is stamped “U.S”. The last digit of the barrel date and the “U.S.” marking are partially-obscured by pitting and the barrel appears to be dated 1848 with strong “A.D.K.” inspector’s initials and “P” proof mark. The walnut stock rates perhaps good as extensively repaired long ago with a later added finish which is lighter in color on either side of the lower band. Prior repairs which were all very-nicely done and include a break through the wrist and numerous wood-splices and areas of filler along the forend and some reprofiling of the nose of the forend hidden by the double-strap upper band. The nipple is a later replacement, an older spare nipple is stored within the functional patchbox, the original sling swivels and brass front sight blade are intact, the rear sight is a fixed “V” notch sight which is loose in its dovetail, and a contemporary steel cupped tulip-head ramrod with threaded end is included. While the half-cock notch is worn the action remains strong. This handsome Mississippi rifle was likely rebored to .58 caliber in the year leading up to the Civil War. {ANTIQUE} [John Lipski Collection]. Mi3