Springfield Armory Model 1855 Rifle-Musket manufactured in 1860. The musket has the distinctive Maynard tape primer on the lock. The stock has the iron patch box and forearm tip adopted in 1859. The lock plate is dated "1860" behind the hammer and marked: "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in two lines ahead of it. Faint "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left barrel flat. The original two-leaf rear sight has been replaced by a simple fixed sight. The original, tulip-hard ramrod has been replaced by an Enfield pattern ramrod with slotted tip. The door to the Maynard tape primer housing is missing and the tape primer mechanism has been removed. The musket is fitted with a Confederate style canvas and leather sling. The initials "JW" are carved in the left side of the stock. The Springfield and Harper's Ferry Armories manufactured 59,273 Model 1855 Rifle Muskets between 1857 and 1861. These were the most advanced rifle-muskets available at the outbreak of the Civil War and they saw hard use in both the Federal and Confederate armies throughout the war.

The musket is in relic condition. The barrel, lock plate, trigger guard and iron furniture have a brown patina with surface rust and moderate to heavy pitting. The lock and barrel markings are faint. The stock is bleached from exposure and is broken in front of the lock plated and cracked in several places. A chip is missing from the right side of the barrel tang. The canvas sling shows age and service but remains in good condition. The consigner indicates that this musket may have Confederate associations.