Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these distinctive, dual-purpose weapons between 1855-1857. They are one of only three handguns manufactured at Springfield, with intent 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 The results were less than satisfactory, and they were also already rather outdated from their inception given Colt's Dragoon series which could also mount shoulder stocks but offered more shots and functioned better as handguns.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 example is dated "1856" on the lock and "1855" on the barrel tang, and has standard markings and features. Matching assembly number "4" is marked on the rear of the pommel cap on the pistol and on the underside of the joint piece of the included shoulder stock, with a "P" carved on the left of the shoulder stock and "US" marked brass buttplate.