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 "1860" on the lock. This example has the replacement early long range rear sight, iron forend cap, and a patch box. It otherwise has standard markings and features, "CHW" hand carved on the buttstock, and a removable collection mark on the trigger guard. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet.

Good, showing mostly bright finish with a speckling of grey patina and evidence of cleaning. The lightly sanded and reoiled wood is fine with some minor chipping, repairs, and a few cracks. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is fine showing a mixture of bright and grey patina and some light pitting.