3047

Pre-Civil War Production U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Percussion Rifle-Musket

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Pre-Civil War Production U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Percussion Rifle-Musket
Model 1855 Percussion Rifle-Musket manufactured at the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1858. The musket has the distinctive Maynard tape primer lock, long range rear sight and brass forearm tip. The lock plate is dated "1858" behind the hammer and marked: "U.S./HARPERS FERRY' in two lines ahead of it. The buttplate heel is stamped "U.S.". The left barrel flat is stamped with "V/P/Eagle Head" proof and inspection marks. The roman numeral "XI" and a five-pointed star are carved in the right side of the stock. The left side of the stock is crudely carved with the name: "JAMES/GARROIT". The musket is fitted with an Enfield pattern steel ramrod with slotted tip and a Confederate style canvas and leather sling. The Maynard tape primer magazine door and tape primer mechanism have been removed. The rear sight blade is missing. Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured 12,158 Model 1855 Rifle-Muskets between 1857 and 1861. The Model 1855 Percussion Rifle-Musket was the most advanced rifle musket available at the outbreak of the Civil War and it was used by the both Federal and Confederate armies throughout the war.
BBL: 40 In
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 58 percussion
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Fine.The musket shows hard use. The barrel, barrel bands and rear sight have a dark brown patina with heavy flash pitting opposite the lock plate. The bolster is heavily pitted and the clean-out screw is battered. The lock plate has light to moderate pitting with clear markings. The buttplate and trigger guard have a dark patina with scattered pitting. The stock is in fair-poor condition with heavy wear. There is a is a large chip missing between the forward edge of the lock-plate and the barrel and there is a crack with old staple repair that runs from in front of the lock to the trigger guard. The edges of the stock flats and barrel channel show extensive wear. The sling shows service wear but is in good overall condition. This musket shows hard service use; the canvas sling, carved stock and Enfield ramrod could indicate Confederate service.