Only an estimated 3,544 early production Model 1855 percussion rifles were made at Harper's Ferry with brass furniture including two barrel bands from 1857 to mid-1859. Of those made, 2,800 were destroyed when the Confederate forces captured and burned the arsenal in April 1861. Most of those that survived would have seen hard use throughout the war making this an exceptional example. The rifle is dated "1859" on the barrel and lock plate indicating it was made at the end of the brass production range. Other markings include the standard barrel proofs on the upper left barrel flat, the "eagle motif" on the primer door preceded by "U.S."/HARPERS FERRY at the front of the lock plate, "US" and "56" on the buttplate tang, and "U" on the rear barrel band. It is equipped with a blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight graduated "3" and "5". The right side of the barrel has a bayonet lug. It is fitted on a straight wrist walnut stock with boxed cartouches on the left flat, brass furniture including the patch box which contains a replacement nipple, and sling swivels on the front band and trigger guard. It includes a iron ramrod with tulip head.