Eli Whitney M1841 Mississippi Percussion Rifle

Eli Whitney Blake (American, 1795-1886), circa 1848. A model 1841 Mississippi muzzle-loading percussion rifle, produced between 1841-1861, having oak stock, v-notch sight, bayonet modification to right side of barrel, and likely re-bored to 0.58 caliber (from the original 0.54 caliber). Barrel and lock with great amount of exterior pitting, missing ramrod. Marked to lock plate "E. Whitney / US" and "N.Haven / 1848". Stock also marked "US". Barrel length 33", overall length 48.5". Note: the M1841 percussion rifle was used heaviily during the Seminole Wars, the Mexican-American War, and the American Civil War.