The Springfield Armory only manufactured 4,021 of these distinctive dual purpose weapons in 1855-1857. They are one of only three handguns manufactured at Springfield. They were intended to provide the U.S. Cavalry and Dragoon regiments with weapons that could be used as carbines for dismounted action and as pistols for use on horseback. The results were less than satisfactory, and they were also already rather outdated from their inception given Colt's Dragoon series which could also mount shoulder stocks but offered more shots and functioned better as handguns. Nonetheless, they are known to have been used into the Civil War, including by Confederate forces. This 1855 dated example has the standard markings and features. The modern reproduction pistol stock has a distinct "ESA" cartouche on the left flat. The buttcap is re-stamped with the batch number "7," and the replacement stock has "8" on the collar. A collection marking is on the trigger guard.

Fair with lighter gray patina and mild pitting on the barrel, darker gray patina and some minor pitting on the lock, aged patina on the brass, loose fitting shoulder stock, minor dings and scratches in the artificially aged modern replacement wood, remarked cartouche, minor tension crack at the rear lock screw, and some cracks in the butt of the shoulder stock. Mechanically fine.