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Desirable Springfield Armory Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,750.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 8,500.00 USD
Desirable Springfield Armory Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine
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Desirable Springfield Armory Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine

Manufactured in 1855. The Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these distinctive weapons between 1855-1857. The Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine was intended to provide the U.S. Cavalry and Dragoon regiments with a weapon that could be utilized as a carbine for dismounted action when fitted with the stock and a pistol for use on horseback with the stock removed. The carbine was designed to fire the newly introduced .58 Cal expanding base bullet (minie ball) and was fitted with the Maynard Tape Primer adopted for the 1855 series weapons. The round barrel has an iron front sight blade, a two-leaf folding rear sight graduated to 400 yards and a swivel ramrod with concave button tip. The lock plate has a magazine for Maynard tape primers and a bolster with cleanout screw. The buttcap has a sling ring and the stock and barrel band are fitted with sling swivels. The pistol stock and detachable stock are oil finished black walnut. The lock plate is dated "1855" behind the hammer and marked "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in front of the tape-primer door. The primer door is marked with the eagle and shield motif. The left barrel flat is stamped with "V/P/Eaglehead" proof and inspection marks. The assembly number "15" is stamped on the buttcap. The stock is stamped with the assembly number "14". "U.S." is stamped on the top of the stock buttplate tang. A faint two-letter script Ordnance Department Oval final inspection mark is visible on the left stock flat. Arsenal bright finish with brass furniture. Manufactured in relatively small numbers the Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines were issued to the U.S. Cavalry and Dragoon regiments on the pre-Civil War frontier in conjunction with Colt revolvers. At the start of the Civil War Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines were issued to volunteer cavalry regiments. Nearly all of the 4,026 Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines appear to have been issued; examples typically show moderate to heavy service wear. The Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine has the distinction of being one the three handguns manufactured by the Springfield Armory.

Manufucture: Springfield Armory U.S.
Model: 1855
BBL: 12 inch round
Stock: walnut
Guage: 58 percussion
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN

Very good overall showing service wear that is typical for these weapons. The barrel, lock and back strap have been lightly cleaned. The surfaces are bright with scattered light pitting. There is flash pitting on the tape primer door that partially obscures the Springfield eagle and shield. The lock markings are light. The date on the barrel is illegible. The brass furniture on the pistol and detachable stock have an attractive untouched patina. The detachable stock is good-very good with scattered minor handling marks. The pistol stock shows moderate-heavy handling wear and is good overall. The pistol stock and detachable stock have a matching patina and appear to have always been together. This is a good example of a distinctive and very desirable Model 1855 Percussion Pistol-Carbine.