OE - GOOD - some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal legible; lightly scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.

NPRF - NON-PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED/COLD BLUE, ETC.

Around 3,000 of these carbines were manufactured c. 1855-1857 in this barrel length along with another 3,000 with 21 inch barrels. As noted by Norm Flayderman, "the Model 1855 British Carbine is a difficult item to obtain, since issue and use were primarily in foreign lands, under aegis of the British Empire. However, a few specimens are known to have returned to America for service in the Civil War." These carbines are similar to the U.S. Contract Model 1855 carbines but have the distinctive British carbine rear sights and are of larger caliber. The serial number on this one appears to have included "2454" (usually found in the 19000-29000 range suggesting another digit isn't visible). "569" is also marked on the lower tang.