The Model 1855 rifle-muskets were the first U.S. martial weapons designed for use with .58 caliber Minie bullets and were widely used during the Civil War, and first saw action in the Coeur d'Alene War in the Pacific Northwest in 1858. Between 1857-1861, 47,115 Model 1855 rifle-muskets were manufactured at Springfield Armory, and another 12,158 were manufactured at Harpers Ferry. The Model 1861 later replaced the Model 1855 due to the Maynard primer's added expense and unreliability in rough conditions. Dated "1858" on the lock and barrel with the standard front sight/bayonet lug, early long range style rear sight graduated 1-4 on the base and 5-8 on the ladder, all iron fittings aside from the brass forend cap, "U.S./HARPERS FERRY" marked lock with the federal eagle and shield motif on the primer door, "V/P/(eagle)" barrel proof markings, two oval script inspection cartouches including "JB" (James Henry Burton) and "JAS" (John A. Schaeffer) stamped on the left stock flat surrounding "W.C.K." (William C. Kirby) small stamped inspection initials, with "US" and "8" marked on the buttplate tang. Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection

Exceptionally fine. The metal surfaces retain their armory bright, with no evidence of flash pitting, some minor surface freckling, some light pitting on the buttplate, and sharp markings and edges overall in the metal. Stock is excellent with highly attractive original figured grains, some light handling marks and dents, defined edges overall, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional Harpers Ferry Model 1855 rifle-musket would be difficult to improve upon!