Springfield M1855 Pistol-Carbine Maynard Tape Primer Muzzleloader Antique

SOLD FOR: $3225

LSB#: 220504DW011

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1855, Pistol-Carbine

Serial#: 13

Year of Manufacture: 1855, Antique

Caliber: .58 Caliber

Action Type: Percussion Muzzle-Loaded Pistol-Carbine with detachable Shoulder Stock

Markings: The lock-plate is marked “1855” behind the hammer, the tape-primer compartment is marked with the Great Seal of the United States (an eagle) and the front of the lock is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD”. The top-tang is marked “1855”. The right side of the breech is marked “V / P” above an eagle’s head. The grip cap is marked “13”. The shoulder stock is marked “16” on the brass covering at the front and “US” on the top of the butt-plate (it is not original to the gun).

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 fixed to the top and a small aperture at the center. The lower sight is a small “V”-notch.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock features a captive swivel ramrod with a provision in the forend, a brass nose-cap, a brass barrel band secured by a spring with fixed sling swivel at the bottom, a lock-plate secured by two screws, a back-strap and pistol grip with brass cap that has a fixed lanyard ring. There is an attached shoulder stock which has a straight wrist, a straight comb, a sling swivel fixed to the toe and brass semi-crescent butt-plate. The pistol’s stock has scattered light-moderate handling marks, compressions, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is a a light crack at the wood line between the nose-cap and barrel band, a light crack which originates at the barrel band and extends onto the bottom of the stock, two light dings between the barrel band and front lock screw, a light scrape above the rear lock-screw, a scratch behind the lock, and scattered light wear between the lock and barrel band. The LOP is 14.25” when the shoulder stock is attached. The shoulder stock’s wood is better preserved then the wood on the handgun. The shoulder stock has some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, the shoulder stock has light wear around the forward wood line. Overall, the pistol’s stock is in Good condition for an Antique and the shoulder stock is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Bright and Brass

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with poorly defined rifling. There is scattered light-moderate erosion concentrated in the grooves.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 2% of its metal finish. There is some surviving brass finish, but the brass parts are mostly tarnished, have scattered patches of light surface oxidation and verdigris around their recesses. The bright parts are coated in light surface oxidation and have taken a patina color. The gun has light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is light wear along the leading edges. The markings remain clear. The screwheads have tool-marks, but they remain serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition for an Antique.

Mechanics: 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: There is the attached shoulder stock described above.

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.

This particular specimen has some handling wear, but it remains mechanically sound and retains much of its original charm. Please note, the shoulder stock is not serial matched to the gun (not a major issue in and of itself) and more importantly its condition is not consistent with the wear on the pistol. We are not sure if the stock is a modern replica or a refinished Antique, please keep this in mind. Regardless, the gun itself is still a rare Antique that should prove a fun addition to a historical firearms collection. Good luck on your bid!