Manufactured circa 1855-56 with an estimated total quantity of only about 1,020. The lock is marked "SPRING / FIELD / 1855" vertically behind the hammer and has the eagle motif over "US" ahead of the hammer. The barrel tang is dated "1855" and the left rear of the barrel has the "V / P / eagle head" proofs. All parts were finished bright. Iron blade front sight and three folding leaf rear sight. Two piece trigger guard with a large round sling swivel mounted on the rear, button head steel ramrod affixed to the muzzle by a large oval, U-shaped iron swivel and mounted with a 3/4 length straight grip walnut stock secured by a single barrel band, with a brass forend cap and steel buttplate marked "US" on the tang. The left stock flat has a boxed "JS" cartouche. This is the only Model 1855 U.S. Martial arms made for manual priming, lacking the Maynard tape priming system.

Very good as refinished. The barrel has been polished some time ago and has smooth artificial brown mottling and some discoloration. The remaining surfaces have a smooth gray and brown patina. The brass forend cap has been polished and remains bright. The reoiled stock is fine showing a small minor gouge on the comb, some small minor chips on the edge of the toe and overall only a few minor dents and dings. The cartouche is faint, but legible. The markings are clear and crisp. A solid U.S. Model 1855 rifled Carbine.