This is a type II Model 1855 Rifle Musket manufactured at the Springfield Armory in 1860. The Model 1855 rifle was one of the staple arms of the Civil War, and was sought after by both Union and Confederate armies. The Model 1855 was the first US military weapon made to fire the .58 caliber Minie bullet. These weapons were produced at both the Springfield and Harper's Ferry Armories from 1857 - 1861. The armory at Harper's Ferry did not begin production until 1858, while the Springfield Armory began production in 1857. Total production between both armories was just over 59,000, with 12,158 produced at Harper's Ferry. This is a pretty scare weapon. The weapon has an overall length of 56", with a barrel length of 40". The barrel has it's original National Bright finish, showing some age freckling starting forward of the rear barrel band back to the breech. The barrel is smooth with very minimal pitting, mainly around the bolster area. The barrel proofs are faint, but are definitely Springfield. They are from breech to muzzle, eagle head, the letter P and the letter V. The barrel date is no longer visible. The bore is starting to darken, but has good rifling and very minimal pitting. A little cleaning could bring this one right back to like new. The rear sight is the correct two leaf rear sight introduced in 1858. The front sight is incorporated into the bayonet lug, another first in American made military rifles. The ramrod is the correct tulip head design that was used with this weapon. The three iron barrel bands are all stamped with the letter U and match the barrel patina perfectly. They are retained by band springs. Both sling swivels are present and secure to the middle barrel band and the trigger bow. A period leather sling that measure 37" in length is stalled on the weapon. The lockplate is stamped 1860 behind the hammer, an eagle is on the Maynard primer system door and US/SPRINGFIELD forward of the hammer. The lockplate, as well as the trigger guard continue on with the matching patina of the barrel. It's obvious this gun has been together for a long time. The butt plate doe not have the US stamp, and is covered in varnish. The only brass piece is the nose cap, which has a very nice mellow golden patina. Remarkably, the mechanics of the Maynard primer system are as strong as the day it was made. The walnut stock is in very good condition. There are no cartouches on the left flat opposite the lock plate. There are no bumps, dings and scratches present. The stock has been lightly sanded and restained at some point. This is another example of an early military rifle used by both sides during the Civil War, priced accordingly.

Item # AA1102

(Sold)