This is a rare example of a U.S. Springfield Model 1847 Sappers Musketoon, a.k.a "Sappers and Miners", manufactured in 1855. In 1855 a total of 80 Sappers and Miners were made with a total of 830 made over a 9 year period. (Note that of the 830 produced 228 were altered to Model 1847 Artillery configuration, making this original musketoon very rare.) The lock plate is marked with the "eagle" motif over "US" ahead of the hammer "SPRING/FIELD/1855" stamped behind the hammer. The left side of the barrel has "V/P/eagle head" markings at the breech. Front barrel band has a brass blade sight and a lug for a saber type bayonet mounted on the right side with the bayonet guide affixed to the right side of the barrel absent. (The outline of where it was mounted is visible). The buttplate tang is marked "US". Two piece trigger guard, trumpet head iron ram rod and mounted with a full walnut straight grip stock with visible oval cartouche on the left flat.

Good. The barrel and buttplate have a brown patina with extensive, deep flash pitting present on the breech end and a few minor dings just ahead of the rear barrel band. The remaining metal surfaces have a mottled gray patina with some minor pitting on the lock and hammer. The stock is very good with a small minor crack ahead of the upper left side plate screw and some overall scattered minor dents and scratches. Markings are clear. The action is excellent.