The Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifle was named for Jefferson Davis. As Colonel of the 1st Mississippi Rifles during the Mexican-American War, Davis equipped his regiment with the new U.S. Army-issue M1841 rifle — a brass-mounted, .54 caliber percussion weapon that proved decisive in the Mississippi Rifles' celebrated stand at Buena Vista in 1847. The rifle's reputation for accuracy and its handsome brass furniture made it one of the most desirable American military arms before the Civil War. By 1861 many M1841s had been converted from .54 to .58 caliber to accept standard Federal ammunition. The rifle saw service on both sides during the Civil War, generally issued to flank companies (the regiment's best shots) rather than the line.

This W. Britain figure depicts a Confederate infantryman on the march in a Richmond Depot-pattern shell jacket — dark gray cloth — paired with light gray trousers, dark forage cap, knapsack and bedroll on his back, cartridge box and bowie knife on his belt. The rifle musket carried over his right shoulder is the M1841 "Mississippi" — the brass-mounted percussion rifle associated with Jefferson Davis's regiment in the Mexican War, identifiable by its distinctive brass furniture. The marching pose pairs with other Confederate marching figures to build out a regimental column or brigade front diorama. Pair this figure with Confederate Infantry Marching with Bedroll Wearing Depot Jacket for a matched same-uniform pair; with Confederate Corporal Marching as the NCO beside him; or with Forward March Confederate Infantry for an extended column.

Scale: 1/30 (60mm). Matte-painted metal. W. Britain model 31443. From the American Civil War range. Single foot figure, supplied painted and ready for display.