2476

Eli Whitney Contract Rifled Musket .54 cal. Unaltered [187130]

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:2,600.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Eli Whitney Contract Rifled Musket .54 cal. Unaltered [187130]
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 22 @ 08:00 (UTC-8 : PST/AKDT)
FINAL AUCTION RECORD The Auctioneer’s podium notes serve as the final, legally binding record of the auction results, superseding any electronic bidding records. See Terms and Conditions
This is a model 1841 contract musket made by Eli Whitney Jr. for the US Federal Government. Otherwise referred to as the Mississippi Rifle for its successful use during the Mexican War. This rifle has a .54 cal. barrel at 33 in. It is stamped "VP/JH" at the breach as well as "STEEL". The barrel band springs are blued and the ram rod is original. The lockplate is marked "N Haven/ 1850" behind the hammer and "E. Whitney/ US" forward of the hammer. There is the "US" stamped crosswise on the heel of the buttplate. There is a cartouche on the opposite lock mortise with "JW" for John Williams, "M" appears as a sub-inspector on the sideplate opposite the lock, and forward on the trigger guard. "JH" appears on several locations. The barrel bands, lockplate, buttplate, and patchbox all show signs of nickel plating. It is likely that this gun was used by a state militia and they specified the plating. It is most visible under the hammer. There is a spare percussion nipple inside the patchbox with the initials "MHF/4 "inside the mortise. Most of these muskets were modified to . 58 cal. at the Colt factory in Hartford, however, this one is intact. Overall condition is very good with original finish. This gun is an antique and no attempt has been made to fire this gun to confirm its mechanical integrity. Nor should this gun be fired without the examination by a qualified gunsmith. Any attempt to fire an antique gun is at the risk of the owner and not consistent with the value of the firearm. No FFL required. No sales to New York, New Jersey, California, and Hawaii. Extra shipping charges apply. [