This is one of an estimated 5,151 later production Model 1855 percussion rifles with 33 inch barrels, two barrel bands, and iron mountings, including iron patch boxes, manufactured by Harpers Ferry in 1857 to 1861. Most of the iron mounted rifles were issued to militia units, and some were shipped to Southern states prior to the outbreak of the Civil War and the subsequent capture of the armory by Confederate forces. Any Harpers Ferry rifle dated 1860 or 1861, like this one, is likely to have been issued at the outbreak of the war or captured and issued to a Confederate soldier. The rifle is equipped with a blade front sight, three-leaf rear sight (middle leaf marked "2"), and a bayonet lug on the right side of the barrel 3 1/2 inches back of the muzzle. The barrel is dated "1859," and the lock is dated "1860." The hammer is marked "C." The comb is marked "6" twice ahead of the buttplate, and "ECA" is marked just behind the trigger guard tang. The left stock flat has two faint cartouches. The patch box contains a spare nipple.