{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-era-springfield-model-1855-percussion-pistol-carbine-with-rare-detachable-shoulder-stock-dated-1856","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Era Springfield Model 1855 Percussion Pistol-Carbine with Rare Detachable Shoulder Stock – Dated 1856","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional and extremely rare example of the U.S. Springfield Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine, \u003cem\u003ecomplete with its original detachable shoulder stock\u003c\/em\u003e — a feature almost always missing today. Produced at the Springfield Armory between 1855 and 1857, only about 4,021 examples of this remarkable pistol were manufactured. The Model 1855 was the last single-shot pistol ever produced for the U.S. military, representing a fascinating transitional step between the traditional horse pistols of the early 19th century and the more modern repeating sidearms of the Civil War era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChambered in .58 caliber, this innovative design utilized the same Maynard Tape Primer System as the M1855 rifle-musket. The mechanism automatically advanced a priming tape each time the hammer was cocked, eliminating the need for manual percussion caps — though standard musket caps could still be used if necessary. The pistol was designed to serve a dual purpose: a compact sidearm for cavalrymen and, with its detachable shoulder stock, a short carbine for use on foot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example measures 18 inches overall, featuring a swivel-mounted ramrod for easy reloading on horseback. The brass-mounted walnut stock remains solid, showing only very minor service wear. The removable shoulder stock,\u003cstrong\u003e U.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e-marked on the buttplate tang, fits securely and displays a rich aged patina — a remarkable survival in its own right, as these were often lost or damaged in service. It has a serial number \u003cstrong\u003e1955\u003c\/strong\u003e. Indeed, this is a rare example we have encountered with the original shoulder stock still attached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lockplate is clearly marked: \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SPRINGFIELD \u003c\/strong\u003ewith the spread eagle motif stamped into the Maynard primer cover, and dated \u003cstrong\u003e1856\u003c\/strong\u003e on the tail. The barrel tang bears the date \u003cstrong\u003e1855\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating the year of manufacture. Standard V \/ P \/ Eagle Head proof marks are crisp and legible on the barrel. The metal components remain bright, showing only light age staining and scattered oxidation. The bore is bright and retains its original three-groove rifling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMechanically, the lock functions correctly and tightly. The Maynard primer mechanism remains intact and is functional. .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with most surviving examples, there is a hairline cracks at the wrist, a common occurrence due to the stress exerted when the stock was attached. This crack does not compromise integrity and there is no play in the stock at all. The wood overall remains sound with excellent color and fit, and the shoulder stock is in excellent condition. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine was intended to combine the best features of a pistol and carbine, but its awkward balance, heavy recoil, and the fragility of the Maynard primer system led to its rapid obsolescence. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most visually striking and historically significant U.S. martial arms of the mid-19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a truly outstanding, honest example of a rare Springfield Model 1855 Pistol-Carbine, complete with its original U.S.-marked shoulder stock — an extraordinary find for the advanced collector of early U.S. military firearms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA remarkable display piece representing the final evolution of the U.S. single-shot martial pistol — ready to add to even the most advanced Civil War collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1855\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .58 inch Minié\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder with Tape Primer\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 12 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 18 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Percussion Lock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43927541317701,"sku":"ONJR25OCGA036","price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25OCGA036__1A.jpg?v=1761944857","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-era-springfield-model-1855-percussion-pistol-carbine-with-rare-detachable-shoulder-stock-dated-1856","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}