The Model 1855 was commonly used during the Civil War on both sides as several thousand units were stored in arsenals in the South, and it was the first U.S. martial arm designed to fire the 58 caliber Minie bullet. These rifle muskets were manufactured by Harpers Ferry and Springfield Armory from 1857 to 1861. This example was manufactured in 1860, one year before hostilities broke out between the North and South, and has the matching 1860 date on the lock plate and barrel. The lock plate is dated "1860" behind the hammer and stamped "U.S./HARPERS FERRY" ahead of the primer door. The primer door has an eagle/shield motif. The barrel is also dated "1860" and has "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks stamped on the left side at the breech. It has a three leaf rear sight, a front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug and three "U" marked barrel bands secured by springs. The full length stock has a patch box on the right side, two clear script letter cartouches on the left flat and a buttplate stamped "US" on the tang. The number "28" is stamped on the stock behind the barrel tang. It has an iron ramrod featuring a swelled shank and a tulip head.