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Known for its treasure trove of unique collectibles, one item on the wall instantly jumped out at me. The listing was a bit off, tagging the rifle with the year 1941, but a closer look revealed the correct year, 1841, on the accompanying plaque. This wasn't just any gun; it was a U.S. Model 1841, famously dubbed the Mississippi rifle.
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The plaque hinted at a connection to "Spotsylvania C.H.," and given the rifle's heavily deteriorated wood and steel, it screamed either battlefield relic or a crafty forgery. Imagine this piece, hanging proudly above the gun counter for possibly decades, likely catching the eye of many a collector, yet remaining unsold. That alone suggested it was genuine, a cherished artifact in the heart of a pawn shop.
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Mother Nature, however, had other plans. Hurricanes Milton and Helene wreaked havoc, delaying the auction until December 7th, 2024. We waited, anxiously, for our chance.
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When December arrived, the auction was a whirlwind, well-organized, and thrilling. We won the bid with surprisingly little competition, perhaps because proving the relic's authenticity is a bit of a gamble. Our victory was next faced the daunting task of collecting and shipping a 40+ inch relic across states. After a few logistical headaches and a bit lighter wallet (shipping was more than the winning bid price), the rifle was finally on its way, arriving just days before the new year (2025).
Unwrapping this piece was like unwrapping history itself. The rifle radiates an aura of authenticity and power, convincing us it was indeed a real artifact. Yet, the true test lies ahead: can we validate its identity as a Model 1841 and its storied link to the Battle of Spotsylvania? That remains to be determined.
