Springfield Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine

Springfield Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine - Inventory Number: HAN 360

This U.S. Martial pistol is one of the most impressive of all! The Springfield Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine was the last single shot pistol to be produced for the U.S. military. More than 4,000 were made, and at the time, it was the smallest .58 caliber pistol used in the army. It was based around the same Maynard "Tape Primer" system used on the M1855 musket, which kept a coiled tape containing primers, which were fed out when the hammer was cocked.

It was lighter because this pistol-carbine was built to use the newly designed smaller Minié bullet. It also was useful because normal rifle musket caps could be used on this firearm. Measuring 18" in overall length, the back strap is designed to attach to a removable shoulder stock, which this example still has attached!

This pistol-carbine was intended to be used as a pistol on horseback and a carbine on foot. When used as a carbine, it also had an awkward weight and balance. The butt stock was prone to split during the recoil and loosen over time. Because of these deficiencies and the availability of six-shot revolvers, this type of firearm quickly fell out of favor with U.S. troops. This, combined with the obviating of the use of the insufficiently waterproof Maynard tape primer, led to a very short service life, and examples are very hard to come by.

The Lock is on this example marked U.S. / SPRINGFIELD with a Spread Eagle stamped into the Maynard tape primer's steel cover. It is dated 1856 on the lock plate tail, the year of production at Springfield Armory, in Springfield Massachusetts, and is also marked 1856 on the barrel tang, the year it was produced. All brass mounts the pistol has a Swivel Ramrod to enable the Trooper easy reloading while still in the saddle.

The steel components are all bright. The V / P / Eagle Head proofs on the barrel nocks form are present and crisp, with almost no degradation. The bore shows original three groove rifling, with only light powder fouling and oxidation. The lock functions, as well as the tape primer system.

Overall the pistol is in very good condition, with light wear consistent with service. The butt stock is also in great shape, with a lovely patina, and very little wear to the wood. 

Very unusual and hard to find, especially with an intact shoulder stock!

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Inventory Number: HAN 360