Model 1855 Harpers Ferry Percussion Rifle In .58 Cal Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,530.55
WOA#: WY240311JH002
Make: Springfield
Model: 1855
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: 1860
Caliber: .58 Cal Black Powder Only
Action Type: Percussion Muzzleloader.
Markings: The lock plate is marked, “1860 / HARPERS FERRY” There is an eagle on the Maynard tape well door. The stock is marked, “ATE” The buttplate is marked, “U.S.”
Barrel Length: 33”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a three piece flip up sight..
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece full length hardwood with a steel endcap, two barrel bands, a straight grip, straight comb, with a steel buttplate. There are two sling loops and a trap door in the right side of the buttstock. There are pressure dents and scratches throughout. The wood has shrunk from age. There are cracks at the rear tangs. There are scattered chips throughout. There is some scallops sanded out of the wood in front of the lock plate. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in at about Good overall condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original, with refinished/replaced parts.
Bore Condition: The bore is rusted, the rifling is faint. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates at a 4/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. Most all metal have turned to patina. The Maynard tape well door has been replaced, the rear sight is new. There is pitting throughout. The screw heads are moderately worn. The markings are worn. The ram rod is in good condition. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Springfield Model 1855, also known as the Springfield 1855 Rifle Musket or the Springfield Model 1855 Harpers Ferry, was a percussion lock rifle adopted by the United States military prior to the American Civil War. Manufactured at the Harpers Ferry Arsenal in Virginia, this rifle was an improvement over its predecessor, the Model 1842 musket. It featured a rifled barrel, which provided greater accuracy and range compared to smoothbore muskets. The rifling also allowed for the use of elongated, conical bullets, further enhancing the rifle’s performance. The Springfield Model 1855 was chambered in .58 caliber and utilized a percussion cap ignition system. The rifle featured a distinct Maynard tape primer system, which automatically fed percussion caps onto the nipple of the rifle, simplifying the loading process for soldiers. During the early years of the American Civil War, the Springfield Model 1855 saw extensive use by both Union and Confederate forces. It was one of the primary firearms used by infantry units on both sides of the conflict. While the Model 1855 performed well in combat, it was eventually replaced by more advanced rifled muskets as the war progressed.
Overall, the Springfield Model 1855 Harpers Ferry Percussion Rifle played a significant role in the early stages of the American Civil War and represented an important advancement in firearms technology for its time. -R.E.
