Manufactured in 1856. This unique weapon features an attachable stock, Maynard tape-lock primer, bolster with clean-out screw, three-leaf rear sight graduated to 400 yards and swivel ramrod with button tip. The forearm cap, barrel band, trigger guard, attachable stock yoke, sling swivel mount and buttplate are brass. The metal parts are bright. The pistol stock and attachable stock are oil-finished black walnut. The lock plate is dated "1856" behind the hammer and marked "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the bolster. The Springfield Eagle and Shield motif is marked on the primer magazine door. The barrel tang is dated "1855". "V/P/Eagle head" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left barrel flat. The buttcap is re-stamped with the batch number "11" and the stock yoke is re-numbered "11". "U.S." is stamped on the heel of the 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.

Fair. The metal surfaces have a mottled silver gray patina with some minor flash pitting on the barrel, primer door and front portion of the lock. The brass components have an aged patina. The pistol stock is good with some scattered minor dings and dents. The shoulder stock is good with several minor pressure dents, dings and scratches. The primer still functions, the door does not secure tightly and the action is fine. The markings are clear.