Recent Find 1841 Mississippi Colt Conversion

[Hotdog]

I was at a local gunshow this weekend when I came across this Mississippi rifle. I own an unconverted with Rebel provinance Robbins and Lawrence and thought it could use a Yankee friend. This one is a E. Whitney made in 1850. Discussions with the previous owner make me think this is one of the rifles Colt purchased and modified before selling it back to the Federal Government, although it is missing the bayonet adapter on the barrel.

I dont know as much about these rifles as I would like to, so I'm afraid I can't explain the "2" on the stock, if it is an arsenal rebuild or if it would have seen any sort of service. It looks like it's been well taken care of. The rifling is very strong, the bore is understandably a little dusty.

 

[JackADriscoll]

Colt Alteration Whitney 1841 "Mississippi Rifle" with Bayonet

Documented Colt Alteration Whitney Model 1841 Percussion "Mississippi Rifle" with Saber BayonetColt alterations of "Mississippi Rifles" are described on p. 156-159 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III" by George Moller, and this rifle is featured on p. 157 and 158. It was converted to...

www.rockislandauction.com

Here's a good write up on these

 

[johan_steele]

You have a very Nico Colt Alteration just missing the bayonet adapter. These were typically removed with the bayonet post war. But Lodgewood has had both originals and a quality repro in the past.

Colt Alteration bayonets aren't that uncommon. I think a presentable one will run the $5-600 range.

 

[JOHN42768]

Your rear sight is the Colt Conversion one. 2 is most likely a rack number. See https://americansocietyofarmscollec...8-B97-Beautiful-Rifles-With-Pointy-Things.pdf
This shows different conversions that were used

 

[JOHN42768]

Colt was noted for doing various forms of alterations. Some with rear sight, bayonet adapter ring, ram rod and going from .54 to .58. others with some of above only.
a couple of photos of my M1841 Harpers Ferry still .54 and original rear sight, ramrod, but with Colt ring adapter.