This single-shot muzzleloader is a .58 caliber Model 1855 percussion rifle-musket in good overall condition.  This particular musket was a government arsenal product from Springfield, Massachusetts. Over two hundred and fifty thousand such longarm weapons were produced for the US Ordnance Dept during the war years.

Weapon has a 40” round barrel with broad three-groove rifling. Bore is semi-bright with good rifling that needs scrubbed. Barrel has a two-leaf rear sight and an iron front sight. Barrel is secured to the stock with three bands and band springs. Nose cap is iron. Barrel surface has areas of fine rust pitting and wears a dull gray coloring. Pitting at breech obliterates barrel date. Left flat has barely visible “VP” and eaglehead.

Beveled lockplate is fitted with a C-shaped hammer and the Maynard tape priming system which still operates.  System employed a waterproof paper tape of percussion caps inserted into the primer magazine that set a cap on to the nipple when the hammer was cocked. The hammer has a knife-edge lip that severed the expended portion of the tape when the trigger was pulled. Lockplate stampings are clear and show the large spreadwinged eagle on the front of the hinged Maynard tape primer door with the date “1860” stamped behind the hammer. Forward of the hammer is “US” over “SPRINGFIELD.”  Lock surface exhibits a mottled gray appearance.

Black walnut stock surface looks to have been lightly cleaned. Stock is solid with no cracks but does have a chip on either side of the lower lock screw escutcheon. Stock also exhibits a number of light scratches and scuff marks overall along with minor dings and nicks. There is one good government cartouche visible.

Steel tulip-shaped ramrod is original and wears the same finish as the rest of the weapon. Threaded tip is broken. All barrel bands are original and secured to the stock via flat iron springs. Both sling swivels are present. Buttplate has strong “US” on tang.  [ad]

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