Make: Springfield
Model: 1855 Rifle Musket
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: 1859
Caliber: .58
Action Type: Single shot, muzzleloading, Maynard tape primed, black powder rifle.
Barrel Length: 40"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barley corn blade soldered to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is the folding leaf style that replaced the long range sight on this model starting in 1858.
Markings: The lock plate is marked "1859" and "US Springfield", the primer cover has an American eagle. There are proof marks on the rear left of the barrel. The left side of the stock has "Wm R" lightly scratched or perhaps hand-written in the flat.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a full length one piece walnut, 3 bands retained by spring clips, straight grip, straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are sling swivels on the middle band and the front of the trigger guard. The LOP is 13 1/2" from trigger to buttplate. There are scattered scratches and compression dents. There are some dings and gouges. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition as Antique
Type of Finish: Arsenal Bright
Finish Originality: No new finish has been applied, but the surfaces show signs of cleaning.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There is light pitting throughout. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and oxidation throughout. The rifle has had some cleaning and scrubbing of the bright finish. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes a ramrod, and M1855 socket bayonet.
Our Assessment: This Springfield Model 1855 Rifle Musket is a historically important U.S. military percussion arm, notable for its Maynard tape primer system and its place in the transition toward the standard Civil War rifle-musket pattern. Manufactured circa 1859, this .58 caliber muzzleloader retains the key features of the later Model 1855 configuration, including the 40" barrel, three-band full-length walnut stock, folding-leaf rear sight, and lock plate marked "1859 US Springfield." The presence of the functional primer door, spring, and pawl is a significant point of interest, as the Maynard tape primer mechanism is one of the most distinctive and collectible features of this model. The included ramrod and M1855 socket bayonet further enhance its completeness and military presentation.
Condition is a strong point for an antique rifle-musket of this age. The rifle retains about 75% of its arsenal-bright finish, though the metal has been lightly cleaned or scrubbed, the markings remain clear, and the screw heads are only lightly tooled and remain serviceable. The full-length walnut stock is also better than many surviving examples. The lightly scratched or hand-written "Wm R" on the left side of the stock may be an old owner or rack-style marking, though it should be treated as informal unless further provenance is available. Overall, the rifle presents in Very Good-plus as Antique.
Mechanically, this Model 1855 is functional, including the Maynard primer components operating properly. The bore is also a positive attribute, being semi-bright with well-defined rifling and light pitting. Overall, this is an appealing and complete Springfield Model 1855 Rifle Musket with strong historical value, good mechanical presentation, a solid bore, and desirable accessories. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids!
