Model 1855 Percussion Pistol-Carbine manufactured by the Springfield Armory in 1855. The Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these distinctive weapons between 1855-1857. The Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine was intended to provide the U.S. Cavalry and Dragoon regiments with a weapon that could be utilized as a carbine for dismounted action when fitted with the stock and a pistol for use on horseback with the stock removed. The carbine was designed to fire the newly introduced .58 cal expanding base bullet (minie ball) and was fitted with the Maynard Tape Primer adopted of the 1855 series weapons. The round barrel has an iron front sight blade, a two-leaf folding rear sight graduated to 400 yards and a swivel ramrod with concave button tip. The lock plate has a magazine for Maynard tape primers and a bolster with cleanout screw. The pistol buttcap has a sling ring and the stock and barrel band are fitted with sling swivels. The barrel, lock plate and back strap are finished National Armory Bright. The barrel band, trigger guard, stock yoke and buttplate are brass. The pistol stock and detachable stock are oil finished black walnut. The lock plate is dated "1855" behind the hammer and roll-stamped "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in front of the tape-primer door. The lock plate is roll-stamped with the Springfield Armory eagle and shield motif. The left barrel flat is stamped with "V/P/Eaglehead" proof and inspection marks. The assembly number "15" is stamped on the buttcap. The stock is stamped with the assembly number "14". "U.S." is stamped on the top of the stock buttplate heel. A faint, two-letter script Ordnance Department Oval final inspection mark is visible on the left stock flat. Manufactured in relatively small numbers the Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines were issued to the U.S. Cavalry and Dragoon regiments on the pre-Civil War frontier in conjunction with Colt revolvers. At the start of the Civil War Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines were issued to volunteer cavalry regiments. Nearly all of the 4,026 Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines appear to have been issued; examples typically show moderate to heavy service wear. The Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine has the distinction of being one the three handguns manufactured by the Springfield Armory.