47,115 Model 1855 rifle-muskets were manufactured at Springfield Armory between 1857-1861, and another 12,158 were manufactured at Harpers Ferry. The Model 1855 was the first U.S. martial arm designed for use with Minie bullets in .58 caliber, giving it a considerable advantage in accuracy and effective range over earlier military rifles. These rifles were widely used in the Civil War and first saw action in the Coeur d'Alene War in the Pacific Northwest in 1858. The Model 1855 Type II rifle-musket is described on pages 257-259 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III" with this exact rifle pictured on pages 257 and 258. The picture caption on page 257 states, "The rifle musket identified as the Model 1855 (Type II) in this text was equipped with a Model 1858 three leaf rear sight. The iron forend cap was authorized in April, 1859." It has standard markings and features including an "1860" dated lock and iron fittings with a patchbox. Left stock flat marked with boxed script "FWS" (F. W. Sanderson) and oval script "ESA" (Erskine S. Allin) inspection cartouches. "US" and "14" marked on the buttplate tang. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet, period leather sling, and brass tipped wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

very good with bright polished metal overall with scattered light pitting, obliterated markings at the breech end of the barrel, and crisp lock markings. Stock is very fine as re-oiled with well-defined edges, some scratches and dents, some mild chips and absent sections around the buttplate, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with some scattered patches of light pitting, sling is also very good with some light age related cracking.