This is a very fine example of a U.S. Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1855. Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of the distinctive 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, 58 caliber, rifled barrel with a faceted breech. The barrel has a two-leaf rear sight graduated from 100-400 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. The nipple bolster has a clean-out screw. The pistol has a h brass forearm tip, barrel band, trigger guard and buttcap. Sling swivels are attached to 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 has no visible date. The left barrel flat is stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks. The buttcap and stock yoke are stamped with the matching assembly number "6". "U.S." is stamped on the brass buttplate heel. A faint, oval, Ordnance final inspection stamp is visible on the left stock wrist. Springfield Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines were issued to U.S. Cavalry and Dragoons on the frontier before the Civil War and continued in service with Federal volunteer cavalry regiments during the first years of the Civil War. Nearly all surviving Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines show the effects of hard service.

Extremely fine. The pistol carbine is in far better than the average condition seen. The barrel, lock, primer door and tang have been correctly professionally polished and the "National Armory Bright' finish appears to be as it was when first issued. Traces of flash pitting are visible on the barrel and hammer. The lock plate markings and the Eagle and Shield motif on the primer magazine door are very crisp. The rear sight has been nitre blued and has the correct, dull, military blue finish. The Maynard tape primer is complete and fully functional. The brass furniture on the pistol and attachable stock is all original and has an attractive dark mustard yellow aged patina. The pistol stock and attachable stock are both in very fine condition. This is one of the best looking examples of a U.S. Springfield Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine offered for sale by the Rock Island Auction Company in several years. This is a key variation of one of three models of sidearms made by Springfield Armory!