The Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these distinctive weapons between 1855-1857 with this example dated 1855. The Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine was intended to provide the U.S. Cavalry and Dragoon regiments with a weapon that could be utilized as a carbine for dismounted action when fitted with the stock and a pistol for use on horseback with the stock removed. The carbine was designed to fire the newly introduced .58 Cal expanding base bullet (mini ball) and was fitted with the Maynard Tape Primer adopted for the 1855 series weapons. The bolster is equipped with a clean out screw, and the barrel is fitted with a steel swivel ramrod with a button head. The lock plate is dated "1855" behind the hammer and marked "U.S." ahead of the bolster. The Springfield Eagle and Shield motif is marked on the primer door. The barrel tang is dated "1855". "V/P/Eagle head" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left rear barrel flat. The buttcap is stamped with the number "12" and stock yoke is stamped with the number "6". "U.S." is stamped on the heel of the buttplate. It has a blade front sight and two leaf rear sight graduated to 400 yards. 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. 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 breechloading carbines. The Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine is one of only three handguns ever manufactured by the Springfield Armory.

Fair. The pistol has a smooth gray patina with light pitting. The markings are heavily buffed and lightly visible. The rear sight is missing the middle leaf. Overall, the brass is taking on an aged patina. The sanded, revarnished, and repaired (grip area) stock is poor with some pressure dents. The shoulder stock is very good with some minor pressure dents. Mechanically fine.