Moller states that "U.S. contract Model 1841 rifle barrels were stamped 'US' over two or three inspectors' initials, over the letter "P" in three lines. The 'US' signifies federal ownership." All contractor M. 1841'a were also marked "US" on the lockplate and on the butt plate tang. (Moller, v. III, p. 120)
If one encounters a contractor-made M. 1841 that is so worn it does not have visible cartouches in the wood, is the presence or absence of "US" on rifle's barrel the determinant of whether it was accepted into federal service?
If one encounters a contractor-made M. 1841 that is so worn it does not have visible cartouches in the wood, is the presence or absence of "US" on rifle's barrel the determinant of whether it was accepted into federal service?