Only 1,022 of these carbines were manufactured in 1855-1856. They are the only Model 1855 series arms not equipped with the Maynard primer system and were also typically .54 caliber rather than .58. Model 1855 Springfield carbines are described on pages 268-272 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III", with this exact carbine photographed on pages 268 and 270. The barrel has blade front and three-leaf rear sight (absent middle leaf), a ring on the bottom attached with a swivel mounted ramrod, "V/P/eagle head" proofs at the breech, and "1856" on the tang. The lock has the federal eagle motif over "US" at center and "SPRING/FIELD/1855" at the tail. The trigger guard has the distinctive large sling ring on the rear of the bow. Aside from the brass forend cap, the furniture is iron, and the buttplate tang is marked "US". "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Provenance: The George Moller Collection