Guns International #: 101938227
Seller's Inventory #: CB21-267

Category - Civil War Rifles - Harpers Ferry Rifles

Category
Civil War Rifles
Harpers Ferry Rifles

**SOLD** 1860 U.S. Civil War Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Percussion Rifle Musket in .58 Caliber ** Handsome Original Example **

Description:
The Model 1855 Percussion Rifle Musket was manufactured by both Springfield and Harpers Ferry from 1857 until 1861.  There were a total of approx. 59,000 manufactured between the two armories.  The .58 caliber Model 1855 Rifle Musket featured a 40" inch round smoothbore barrel, 3 steel barrel bands, a clean-out screw on the bolster, a right-side lockplate with an Eagle Motif and maker/date stamping, a Maynard tape primer housing, a two position hammer, a 1-piece American Walnut stock, and all of the metal parts were finished armory bright.  It proved to be an excellent weapon, well-made, durable, reliable, and acceptably accurate for a smoothbore musket.  The tap primer made reloads faster and generally was well-like by the troops that carried them.  The U.S. Model 1855 would go on to serve the U.S. Army from 1857 all the way thru the American Civil War.  In fact, the Model 1855 proved to be one of the staple muskets of the Union forces and was the very first weapon firing the .58 Minnie ball ammunition.  This particular Harpers Ferrry U.S. Model 1855 must have been built right as they were changing some parts over as the stock does not have a patchbox which was added in 1860, and the forend tip of the forearm has an iron cap on it instead of brass which was used until sometime in 1859.  This example also has the second type of sight used on these weapons, the first type was a long-range leaf type with a slider on the early-production guns whereas the 2nd type was a much more simple flip-up sight with 2 leafs in addition to the normal folded down position.  This gave the shooter range settings of 0 to 100, 200, and 300 yards.  As you can see from the pictures, this Harpers Ferry U.S. Model 1855 is a very handsome musket in very good all-original condition.  It shows some handling marks and light wear but no eyesores or bad spots.  The only pitting to speak of is some pin-prick stuff around the nipple, very common for any musket that was actually fired during this time period.  All of the maker's stamps and U.S Inspection markings are still intact and fully legible except for the "VP" proof on the left side of the barrel flat, which is only just barely visible with a magnifier.  This is likely the result of someone cleaning the gun a long time ago.  The stamped eagle on the lockplate is particularly impressive and rates 100% with all of the fine detail still completely visible and crisp.  The "U.S." on top of the buttplate is still visible, as-is the "U" on all of the barrel bands and several of the small single-letter factory sub-inspection markings on some of the metal parts.  The original stock on this musket is in great shape overall and solid.  It may have been sanded some time ago but still has a very good look to it and is free from any repairs.  All of the stock hardware is original and still in place, including the buttplate and all of the original screws in the gun.  The barrel and lock are perfectly tight in the wood with no play or wiggle of any kind.  The handsome original lock is still 100% functional and the hammer still has both the half and full-cock notches intact.  The Maynard tape primer feeder still works as it was designed to, which can be seen with the access door open while you cock the hammer.  Also of note, the access door to the tap primer system snaps closed and stays closed just as it was designed to.  It takes a string fingernail to pry the snap open.  The rear sight leafs work perfectly and the trigger only fires from full-cock.  The bore in this rifle musket is excellent.  It is smooth and clean from one end to the other with ZERO visible pitting. bulges, dents, or imperfections.  The original steel tulip-head ramrod is still with the gun and stays nice and tight where it is supposed to.  There is no doubt that this Harpers Ferry 1855 would still function just as well today as when it was new 162 plus years ago!   Whether you have been looking for a neat antique U.S. Military weapon for your collection or specifically looking for U.S. Civil War weapons this Harpers Ferry U.S. Model 1855 would be an excellent choice.  Not only should this prove to be a great long-term investment but it is handsome enough that it could also serve as a very cool decorator in a gun room, library, or over a fireplace.          

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .58
Manufacturer: Harpers Ferry Arsenal
Model: U.S. Model 1855
Serial Number: None
Barrel Length: 40" Inches
Bore: Smoothbore
Condition: Very Good
Metal Condition: Very Good
Wood Condition: Very Good
Bore Condition: Excellent
Barrel Type: Round
Action: Muzzle Loading Single Shot with Maynard Tape Primer System
Stock: American Walnut
Finish: Armory Bright
Manufacture Date: 1860