Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these dual purpose pistol-carbines. They were designed to be used as pistols by mounted cavalrymen and as carbines when they dismounted but did not prove satisfactory due to their limited rate of fire, poor accuracy, and awkward dimensions as pistols. The Maynard tape priming system was also found to be a weak spot and was abandoned by the U.S. military after the Model 1855 series. While these aspects proved to undermine the system and made their production run short, it has made them particularly desirable collector's items. They are one of only three handguns ever manufactured at Springfield; a distinction they share with the venerable Model 1911 and Model 1817 flintlock. Nonetheless, most surviving examples make it clear that these weapons saw hard use into the Civil War era. This example has the standard markings and features, including "1856" date on the tail of the lock and "1855" on the barrel tang. It is fitted with a matching shoulder stock assembly numbered "17", which is also correctly stamped on the rear butt.

Good, showing a mixture of bright grey and brown patinas on the iron and an attractive antique patina on the brass with some scattered light pitting. The heavily worn wood is fair with minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent. The matching number shoulder stock is very good with attractive antique patina on the brass and some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout.