This carbine was one of approximately 1500 manufactured by A. H. Waters of Milbury, Massachusetts in 1855 and 1856. These Joslyn carbines were issued on a limited basis to several Federal Volunteer Cavalry regiments early in the Civil War (The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Ohio Cavalry were each issued 100 of these as well as the 6th, which were issued 250). The lock is marked "A.H. WATERS & CO. / MILBURY MASS." and the top of the breech lever is marked "PATD BY / B.F. JOSLYN. / AUG. 23, 1855". There are no visible ordnance proofs or inspection marks. The left side of the breech lever and the right side of the barrel band are marked "J1". It has a pinched front sight and a folding leaf rear sight graduated to 800 yards. Blue barrel and the lock, breech and breech lever were casehardened. The single brass barrel band, trigger guard and buttplate and mounted with an oil finish walnut stock, fitted with a saddle ring bar with ring on the left flat. Of the 1,500 manufactured, 1,200 are known to have been sold to the U.S., leaving only 300 for public sale. The Model 1855 was the last firearm made by the A.H. Waters Company.

Very fine as period refurbished. The barrel has smooth brownish gray patina. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth brown patina, darker on the hammer. The monkey tail breech lever shows pitting under the later applied brown finish. The once cleaned brass has an aged patina. The reoiled stock is excellent with few minor chips and nicks on the flat edges and overall some scattered minor dents and dings. The stock flat edges are crisp. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.