Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1855. Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of the unique Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines between 1855 and 1857. The pistol features an attachable walnut buttstock with brass yoke and buttplate. The buttstock allows the pistol to be used as a carbine with the stock attached or a pistol with the stock removed. The pistol has a round barrel with a faceted breech. The barrel has a two-leaf rear sight graduated to 400 yards and a blade type front sight with wide base. A steel ramrod with concave tip is mounted on a swivel beneath the barrel. The flat, bevel-edged lock plate is fitted with a Maynard tape primer and the nipple bolster has a clean-out screw. The pistol has a walnut stock with brass tip, and brass barrel band, trigger guard and buttcap. Sling swivels are mounted on the barrel band and stock and a lanyard ring is mounted on the buttcap. The lock plate is roll-stamped "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the primer door and dated "1855" behind the hammer. The Springfield Armory Eagle and Shield motif is stamped on the primer door. The upper 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 assembly number "5" and the stock is stamped with the assembly number "7". A faint, oval, Ordnance final inspection stamp is visible on the left stock wrist.

Good. The barrel has been lightly cleaned, bored out, and has moderate-heavy flash pitting on the flats and bolster. The hammer, lock plate and primer magazine door have a silver-gray patina with sharp markings. The tape primer is complete and functional. The barrel date and proofmarks are clear. The brass furniture on the pistol stock and attachable stock has a good looking patina although the barrel band has been cleaned. The pistol stock and attachable stock are both in good-very good condition. The lock plate mortise and barrel channel have sharp edges. There is a repaired diagonal hairline crack in the left stock flat. Nearly all of the 4000 Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines manufactured by Springfield Armory were apparently issued and remained in service thru the first year of the Civil War. Virtually all Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines show moderate to heavy service wear; this is a superior example of an important U.S. cavalry handgun.