This stunning Springfield Model 1855 pistol-carbine has no inspector's cartouche on the stock nor a stock number on the pommel cap. This combined with its high end finish has led to discussions of whether it was made for a special presentation, purchase by an officer, or for an exhibition. The consignor indicated that he and another experienced collector believed it may have been among a group of U.S. martial arms specially finished for the Metropolitan Mechanics Institute Fair in Washington, D.C., in 1857, but the plan was canceled after they had been produced just days before they were to be displayed. The Mechanics Institute Fair story is detailed in "U.S. Model 1855 Series of Small Arms" by John Willyard. Aside from the special finishing and lack of inspector's marks, it is a standard Model 1855. The tang is dated "1855." The lock is dated "1856." The stock is marked "J.R." or "J.B." under the pommel cap and has a glossy varnish finish. The rear sight, trigger, and some of the lock components are niter blued. The rest of the metal was carefully polished armory bright. The buttstock mounting hardware is marked "G39" inside, and the buttplate has "US" ahead of the heel screw. The antique later custom fitted case contains an attractive powder flask with a highly detailed scene of a hunter, a dead stag draped across on the back of his horse, and his dog and an adjustable spout marked "DIXON & SONS" along with a black leather sling and a bright blue japanned Mass. Arms Co. tin of Maynard primer tape.

Excellent. The armory bright components remain generally bright with some light patina forming from age and crisp markings. The niter blue remains bright. The brass furniture has attractive aged patina. There is small void in the mounting collar of the buttstock by the upper hook. The wood is also excellent aside from a very faint hairline crack at the tail of the lock, some tiny chips at a few edges, and tiny flakes under the finish on the top of the buttstock wrist. The wood otherwise has some minor compression marks and dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine and have minor age and storage related wear.