All iron surfaces wear a matching lightly cleaned appearance.

The round barrel of this .58 weapon meas. 33” long with a bayonet lug attached to the right side and a front blade sight. Rear sight is present with two operating flip-up leaves. The metal surface is bright with light scattered mottling and some pitting at the breech and around the nipple. Markings of “V P” and eaglehead are visible on the left side of the barrel at breech. Barrel date of “1859” is partially obscured due to pitting. Bore has good rifling but is pitted in areas. Especially near the muzzle.

The lock matches the barrel surface in color. Lockplate is cut for the addition of the Maynard tape primer mechanism and door. Mechanism works properly. Door has light surface pitting and mottling but a very good stamped eagle. Forward of the hammer the lock is marked with a mediocre “US” over “HARPER’S FERRY.” Visible behind the hammer is the date “1859.” Hammer holds at half and full cock and falls when trigger is squeezed. Nipple is original. Clean out screw in bolster shows light wear as does hammer screw. Heads on lock screws are good.

The black walnut oiled stock is fitted with a small iron patchbox that opens to reveal a spare nipple inside. Metal surface of the patchbox matches the rest of the weapon with a lightly cleaned mottled appearance. Stock also has an iron nose cap. Wood is in good condition with no visible cracks and only the usual dings, dents and scratches consistent with age, use and storage. There is some wear on either side of the barrel tang but nothing serious.

Triggerguard and buttplate match the other iron fittings. Triggerguard has a sling swivel as does the forward band. Both bands are stamped with the horizontal “U” and both have a straight line scribed into their top surface. The rear most band is also stamped with an “H” over “13” in this area. Original matching ramrod is present with tulip head and swelled neck. No threads on tip.

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.  [ad]

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