Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1855, Pistol-Carbine

Serial#: None. Assembly number 12 on buttcap.

Year of Manufacture: 1856

Caliber: .58 Caliber

Action Type: Percussion Muzzle-Loaded Pistol-Carbine, no stock.

Barrel Length: 12"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed by the muzzle. The rear sight features two folding leaves. One is tall and has a "V"-notch at the top and a small aperture at the center. The lower sight is two-position with one tall and one short "V"-notch.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock features a captive swivel ramrod, brass nose-cap, brass barrel band secured by a spring with sling swivel, a lock-plate secured by two screws, a back-strap and pistol grip with brass cap that has a fixed lanyard ring. There is a faint cartouche on the left flat. The backstrap is notched for a detachable shoulder stock which is not present. The stock has scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a crack in the bottom at the front edge of the trigger guard. There are small losses around the edges of the lock. The grip shows wear from a previously installed stock. Overall, the stock is in Good-Very Good condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Browned, Bright and Brass

Finish Originality: The brass fixtures and lock appear Original. The hammer is blued and likely a replacement. The barrel has been browned, originally bright.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark, the rifling is not visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 3-4/10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 80% of its current metal finish. The barrel and hammer have generally strong brown and blue finish, respectively. There is scattered light oxidation and erosion on the steel parts. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is more notable erosion on and around the nipple. The detent on the door for the tape-primer is not very positive. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, the pistol is in Good condition as refinished Antique, see Mechanics.

Mechanics: The hammer does not have a half-cock position and does not fall into contact with the nipple. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol-carbine. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None. Please note, no stock is included.

Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine was a short lived muzzleloader which was designed for use by cavalry. The gun was meant to be used as a pistol by the user when they were riding their horse and as a carbine when said soldier dismounted by installing the shoulder-stock. The gun arrived late, percussion revolvers were already in service with the US military and Colt replicated the gun’s shoulder stock by adapting it to their revolvers which quickly superseded this design. The gun was still a novel concept, today they are quite rare with only 4,021 ever manufactured. They are an important part of US military arms production history, one of three handguns made in large numbers at Springfield Armory and the only percussion model, along with the M1817 flintlock and the M1911 automatic.

This particular specimen has had a browned finish applied to the steel with what appears to be a replacement hammer. While it does not include a stock, it still has the cuts to install one if you acquire it. It is a neat example of a scarce American military pistol and will add nicely to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!