Rifle appears to be untouched and uncleaned. All iron surfaces wear a matching dark patina and light surface pitting throughout.

The round barrel of this .58 weapon meas. 33” long with a bayonet lug attached to the right side, a front blade sight and a single leaf rear sight. The metal surface is dark with moderate surface pitting at the breech and around the nipple. Markings of “V P” and eaglehead are barely visible on the left side of the barrel at breech. Bore is dark, very dirty and pitted. Crown of muzzle is out of round and appears to have a small chip or ding on rim. The barrel is held to the stock by two iron bands that are held in place by springs forward of the bands. Upper band has sling swivel. Nose cap is also iron.

The lock matches the barrel surface and bands in color. Lockplate is cut for the addition of the Maynard tape primer mechanism and door. Mechanism works properly. Door opens and closes properly and is decorated with a spread-winged eagle. Forward of the hammer the lock is faintly marked with “US” over “HARPER’S FERRY.” Barely visible behind the hammer is the date “1860.” Hammer holds at half-cock and the movement to full-cock is a little stiff but hammer holds properly and falls when trigger is squeezed. Nipple is original. Clean out screw in bolster is smoothed over. Heads on lock screws show some light wear.

The black walnut oiled stock is fitted with a small iron patchbox that opens and closes. Metal surface of the patchbox matches the rest of the weapon with a dark patina and surface pitting. Stock is in nice condition with few dings or dents and slight wear on either side of the barrel tang.

Triggerguard and buttplate match the other iron fittings. Triggerguard has sling swivel attached behind tang. Original matching ramrod is present with tulip head and swelled neck. Bottom 1.50” of the ramrod was cut off or broken long ago.

The Model 1855 rifle was produced exclusively at Harper’s Ferry and records indicate that between 1857 and 1861 a total of 7,317 were manufactured. Of the total production 3,772 are known to have been iron mounted and the other 3,545 were made with brass mountings.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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