Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these distinctive, dual-purpose weapons between 1855-1857, per "Flayderman's Guide" (9th Edition, 6A-051). They are one of only three handguns manufactured at Springfield, with intent to provide the U.S. Cavalry and dragoon regiments with weapons that could be used as carbines for dismounted action and as pistols for use on horseback. They are known to have been used into the Civil War, including by Confederate forces. This example has the standard blade front sight, two-leaf rear sight graduated to 400 yards on the upper tang, "V/P/eagle head" proofs stamped on the upper left at the breech, "1855" date marked on the upper tang and at the tail of the lock, with the federal eagle motif on the Maynard tape primer door, "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" at the front of the lock, brass furniture, a bordered script "JS" inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat, numbered "5" on the pommel. Includes a shoulder stock with "US" on top of the buttplate, and a brown leather sling.