This example was manufactured by Springfield Armory in1855. This gun is 100% complete and correct and remains in nice condition with clear markings on all of the metal. The pistol is in a "gun metal" finish as made. The barrel is mostly smooth, with scattered patches of pitting present, mostly up toward the muzzle some places heavier but this is not unsightly. The top of the barrel tang is clearly dated "1855" and the left breech flat is marked with very crisp "V P" proof and eagle head. The lock has the same steel color as the barrel and shows pinpricking. The lock has the matching date 1855 in a single horizontal line behind the hammer, and forward of the tape primer door it is marked in two horizontal lines: "US" "SPRINGFIELD". The tape primer door is marked with the usual spread-winged Springfield Eagle, with 5 arrows in one talon and olive branches in the other. The tape primer lock mechanism is 100% complete and remains fully functional. The lock of the pistol carbine remains mechanically excellent and functions crisply on all positions.

The original multi-leaf rear sight is in place on the barrel tang and operates smoothly. The original swivel ring is in place on the butt cap of the pistol, and the original captive ramrod is in place under the barrel. A front-end screw on the captive ramrod assembly has lost its head, but this does not affect its functionality. The .58 caliber bore of the pistol carbine is in good condition with good rifling and only some scattered pitting here and there along its length. The brass furniture has a lightly cleaned mottled golden patina. The brass butt cap is marked with the mating number "15", indicating that it was intended to mate with a detachable butt stock also numbered 15.

The walnut stock is in good condition with mars and minor dents from real world use. An inspector's cartouche is visible on the flat opposite the lock. The stock is full-length and without repairs. This is unusual for these carbines, as they are often found with broken or damaged stocks, particularly through the grip area where the stress of the detachable buttstock tends to cause cracking. In this case, the grip does show two deep, curved indentations from the yoke of the buttstock, marks that are typically encountered on pistol carbines that have spent most of their lives with the buttstock attached, but no cracking.

THE ATTACHABLE/DETACHABLE BUTTSTOCK. This pistol carbine retains a brass mounted buttstock that bears the mating number "4" and is "US" stamped on the butt tang. This fits the carbine well. The buttstock retains all of its original attachment mechanism as well as the original sling swivel. Like the carbine, the brass furniture of the buttstock has been lightly cleaned, giving it a golden patina. The buttstock shows very minor mars from handling and use.  [pe][ph:L]

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