Springfield Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine manufactured in 1856. The pistol has a brass mounted, walnut, shoulder stock, lock with Maynard type magazine and bolster clean-out screw. The barrel tang has a two-leaf, folding rear sight graduated to 400 yards. The pistol is fitted with a swivel steel ramrod with cupped head. The barrel bands, trigger guard and buttcap are brass. The stock is oil-finished walnut with a brass butt plate and yoke and iron sling swivel. The lock plate is dated "1856" horizontally behind the hammer and "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in two lines ahead of the bolster. The primer magazine door is stamped with the Eagle and Shield motif. The barrel tang is dated "1855". The pistol has the batch number "12" stamped above the buttcap. The stock has a brass end cap, upper band, backstrap and buttcap with iron sling ring. The left barrel flat is stamped with "V/P/Eagle head" proof and inspection marks. Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 Pistol-Carbines from 1855-57. Most of these weapons were issued to Cavalry and Dragoon units on the frontier; many M1855 Pistol Carbines remained in service well into the Civil War. The Model 1855 Pistol Carbine was one of three types of handguns manufactured by Springfield Armory.

Fair. The barrel and lock have a silver gray patina. The lock face has been lightly cleaned and shows light to moderate pitting with faint markings, The barrel shows less flash-pitting than the lock. Markings on the lock and the primer door are faint. Barrel markings are clear. The pistol stock is a quality replacement and fits well to the metal with minimal handling wear. The attachable stock is fine and has the original oil finish with scattered handling marks. A good example of an important cavalry pistol/carbine.