Original U.S. Civil War Springfield Model 1855 Rifled Percussion Pistol Carbine with Functional Tape Primer System - Dated 1855

Original Item: Only One Available. 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 were almost always lost over the years, such as on this example. It does have the inlets on the back strap for attachment of the stock, so one was definitely originally fitted, and probably discarded during the period.

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 pistol carbine is dated 1855 on the lock plate tail (the first year of production), with a clear U.S. / SPRINGFIELD at the front of the lock plate, indicating production at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts. The door to the tape primer system still has a crisp Federal Eagle stamping on top, and there is a clear 1855 on the barrel tang under the rear sight. All brass mounted, the pistol has a Swivel Ramrod to enable the Trooper easy reloading while still in the saddle.

The steel components are all bright, not blued, showing past powder burn near the cap nipple cone, which looks to have been smoothed out to improve appearance. The V / P / Eagle Head proofs on the barrel nocks form are present and still fully legible. The lock functions, however the tumbler is worn, so it does not hold at the half cock position, which is also very close to the cap nipple cone. It also still has the connector to the Tape primer system working, and the parts are all present, however we have no way to test it as the primers are no longer available.

Overall the pistol is in very good condition, with wear consistent with service. It has been cleaned by our expert antique gunsmiths to put it in the best light. We can see some past repairs around the lock plate, but the pistol grip / wrist area looks to be solid. The swivel ramrod works beautifully, and the front sling swivel is still present.

A lovely FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION example of a very unusual and hard to find Civil War era pistol carbine, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1855
Caliber: .58 inch Minié
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Tape Primer
Barrel Length: 12 inches
Overall Length: 18 inches
Action: Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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