The limited number of Harpers Ferry Model 1855 rifles saw heavy use throughout the Civil War, and many were destroyed when the factory was burned in 1861, with Flayderman's Guide stating, "... of the approximate 3,450 Model 1855 rifles then on hand and destroyed in the fire, approximately 2,800 of them were the brass mounted types. That clearly accounts for the scarcity of the brass mounted version." This example has the early brass fittings, "1857" dated on the lock and barrel tang with the standard front sight/bayonet lug, early long range style rear sight graduated 1-5 on the base and 6-9 on the ladder, standard lock and barrel proof markings, and "US" marked on the buttplate tang.

Very good as assembled/restored, with a light refinished brown finish on the barrel, refinished casehardened finish on the lock, recut edges and reapplied markings in the metal. Stock is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with recut edges, some dents, and a few cracks in the ramrod channel. Absent barrel band retainers. Mechanically excellent.