This is a scarce example of a Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine that was manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1856. This unique weapon features an attachable walnut stock with brass furniture, Maynard self-priming device, folding two-leaf rear sight graduated to 400 yards and swivel-mounted tulip head ramrod. The pistol is finished "National Armory Bright" with oil finished walnut stock and brass buttcap, trigger guard, barrel band and forearm cap. The stock and lower barrel band are fitted with sling swivels and a carbine sling ring is mounted on the buttcap. The lock plate is dated "1856" behind the hammer and roll-stamped "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in two lines in front of the Maynard tape primer door. The tape primer door is stamped with a large Spread Eagle and Shield. The top of the barrel tang is dated "1855". The left barrel flat is stamped with "V/P/Eagle head" proof and inspection marks. The buttcap is stamped with the batch number "13" and the underside of the stock is stamped with the batch number "10". Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines in 1855-1857. The carbines were a relatively successful design and were issued in limited numbers to the U.S. 1st and 2nd Dragoon regiments and the 1st and 2nd Cavalry regiments in the years prior to the Civil War. Photographs show U.S. volunteer cavalry troopers armed with Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines during the Civil War. Nearly all extant Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines show considerable service wear. Batch numbers of the pistol buttcaps and attachable stocks seldom match.

Fine. The pistol-carbine is complete, original and the condition of the stock matches the pistol carbine fine. The iron barrel, lock and back strap have a bright finish with some darkening on protected areas of the lock and hammer. The barrel muzzle and the nipple bolster have some minor flash pitting but most of the metal surfaces have a smooth finish. The lock and barrel markings are clear. The Maynard primer is complete and functional. The brass furniture on the pistol and attachable stock has an attractive patina. The pistol stock has a small and very old chip behind the tail of the lock plate and there are several deep dents in the left stock flat. The balance of the pistol stock remains in fine overall condition. The Ordnance final inspection stamp on the left flat is faint but still legible. The attachable stock is in the same overall condition as the pistol and is in good condition with moderate service wear. There are several shallow dents on the left side of the stock near the buttplate; the balance of the stock, particularly the right side is in very good condition. This is a solid example of the unique Springfield Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine. The Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine is a key piece in any collection of U.S. martial arms.