Only 12,158 of Model 1855 rifle-muskets were manufactured at Harpers Ferry compared to 47,115 manufactured at Springfield. This was the first U.S. martial arm designed for the .58 caliber Minie bullets, and some of these rifles were captured at Harpers Ferry by the Confederacy. It is dated "1858" on the barrel and lock. This example has the early pattern long range rear sight, brass forend cap, and no patch box. It otherwise has standard markings and features and a removable collection mark on the trigger guard. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet and a small roll of primer tape.