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 The results were less than satisfactory, and they were also already rather outdated from their inception given Colt's Dragoon series which could also mount shoulder stocks but offered more shots and functioned better as handguns.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" (tang) and "1856" (lock) dated example has the standard markings and features. A reproduction shoulder stock with leather shim is fitted to the gun.

Fair with gray patina, mild pitting, replaced rear sight and primer door, smoothbored barrel, series of dots on top at the breech, small dents on the barrel, and moderate overall wear. The pistol stock is also fair and has multiple thin cracks, stock mounting compression marks, and general scrapes and dings. The reproduction shoulder stock is fine and has mild wear including some artificial aging. Mechanically fine.