Manufactured from 1857-1861, many of these rifle-muskets were seized by the confederacy at the beginning of the Civil War. This rifle features the Maynard tape primer, percussion bolster with clean out screw, two leaf folding rear sight, swelled shaft tulip head ramrod and iron mountings, including patch box. As a result, the survival rate of these rifled muskets is low and examples in very good or better condition are very scarce. The lock plate is dated "1859" behind the hammer and marked "U.S. / HARPERS FERRY" ahead of the primer door, which has a prominent eagle and shield motif. There are no visible markings on the breech end top and left side of the barrel. The buttplate tang is marked "US" and the stock is absent of any markings.

Good. The entire rifle has had a coat of protective varnish applied to it resulting in a dark goldish brown on the metal surfaces, except for the primer door which has a mottled gray patina. The stock remains good with only a few minor dings and dents. The action is fine. A solid example of a very collectible U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1855 percussion rifle-musket.