Manufactured in 1855. The Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these distinctive weapons between 1855-1857. 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 (Minie 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./SPRINGFIELD" ahead of the bolster. The Springfield eagle and shield motif is marked on the primer door (partially visible). 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 batch number "11" and the stock yoke is numbered "7". "U.S." is stamped on the heel of the buttplate. Blade front sight and three leaf rear sight. 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 breech loading carbines. The Model 1855 Pistol Carbine is one of only three handguns ever manufactured by the Springfield Armory.

Good. The metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray patina. The brass components have an aged patina. Both stocks are good with scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. Unless noted above the markings are clear. Mechanically fine.