Model 1855 Percussion Pistol Carbine manufactured by the Springfield Armory in 1856. This unique weapon features an attachable stock, Maynard tape-lock primer, bolster with clean-out screw, two-leaf rear sight graduated to 400 yards and swivel ramrod with concave button tip. The forearm cap, barrel band, trigger guard, attachable stock yoke, sling swivel mount and buttplate are brass. The barrel, lock hammer and back strap are National Armory Bright. The pistol stock and attachable stock are oil-finished black walnut. The lock plate is dated "1856" behind the hammer and roll-stamped "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in two lines ahead of the bolster. The Springfield Eagle and Shield motif is roll-stamped on the primer magazine door. The top of the barrel is dated "1855". "V/P/Eagle head" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left barrel flat. The pistol buttcap is stamped with the batch number "3" and the stock yoke is numbered "1". "U.S." is stamped on the heel of the brass buttplate. Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 Model 1855 Pistol Carbines between 1855 and 1857. The Pistol Carbines were intended to provide the Cavalry and Dragoons with a portable, rifled carbine that could be used on horseback as a pistol with the stock removed. Model 1855 Pistol Carbines were widely issued on the frontier before the Civil War and remained in service early in the Civil War until they were replaced with breech-loading carbines. The Model 1855 Pistol Carbine is one of only three handguns ever manufactured by the Springfield Armory.

Good. Like nearly all Model 1855 Pistol Carbines, this piece shows extensive service wear. The barrel lock and back strap have a silver-gray patina. Metal surfaces are lightly textured and show scattered spots of age discoloration. The lock and barrel markings are light but legible. The Maynard tape primer is complete and functional. The brass furniture has not been polished and has a dull patina. The pistol stock and attachable stock show moderate handling wear. The period initials "H M" are crudely period scratched on the left side of the stock. There are four filled holes on the right side of the stock; the holes are not noticeable. This is a good example of a scarce and desirable Mode 1855 Pistol Carbine.