This single-shot muzzleloader is a .58 caliber Model 1855 percussion rifle-musket in very good overall condition.  This musket was a government arsenal product from Springfield, Massachusetts.

Weapon has a 40” round barrel with broad three-groove rifling. Bore has good rifling with a scattered peppering of light dust and dirt. Should clean up nicely. Barrel has the two leaf flip-up 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 is bright and clean over most of its surface with some light scattered pitting at breech. The barrel date of “186?” is missing the last digit. Left flat has a slightly worn “VP” and eagle head.

Beveled lock plate is fitted with a C-shaped hammer and the Maynard tape priming system which still operates properly in all respects.  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. Lock plate stampings are excellent and show the large spread-winged eagle on the front of the hinged Maynard tape primer door with the date “1860” crisply stamped behind the hammer. Forward of the hammer is a strong “US” over “SPRINGFIELD.”  Lock surface exhibits a dark appearance along with very light scattered pinprick pitting.

Black walnut stock is solid with no cracks and very little of the usual small scattered dings, dents, and scratches normally encountered. There are no government cartouche marks visible. Ramrod channel shows almost no wear.

Steel tulip-shaped ramrod is original but has a straight shank instead of a swelled shank and is therefore not the correct rod for this musket. Ramrod wears the same finish as the rest of the weapon and is complete with the threaded tip. All barrel bands are original and secured to the stock via flat iron springs. Iron trigger guard shows light mottling and scattered pitting. Both sling swivels are present. Butt plate has strong “US” on tang.  [ad][ph:L]

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