November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
There were only 4,021 of these carbines manufactured between 1855 and 1857 by Springfield Armory. Round rifled steel barrel is stamped "V/P" over an eagles head proof and has a small steel front sight and two-leaf flip up rear sight graduated to 400 yards, mounted on tang. Tang dated "1855". Flat percussion lockplate with beveled edges and rounded hammer, features door for Maynard primer stamped with a large eagle, front tang stamped in the center "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" and dated "1856 on tail. Standard brass Model 1855 furniture, with steel backstrap cut for stock, lanyard loop on butt and sling swivel mounted on barrel band. Back tang of buttcap numbered "1" and bottom of yoke on buttstock numbered "5", typically they do not match. Steel swivel type ramrod with button plunger and opposite end shaped for cleaning. Plain varnished walnut semi-full stock with brass nose-cap, left side stamped with inspector's cartouche. Complete with brass-mounted buttstock of partially figured walnut, buttplate tang stamped "US" and bottom of stock fitted with sling swivel. Very good condition, barrel has been cleaned and has some freckling and spotting, especially near breech, markings are very good. Lock retains a grey patina with some marks and light freckling, excellent markings. Brass furniture retains a mellow patina with some scattered marks. Stock good with some edge wear and scattered marks from use, grip has indentations on each side from buttstock mount. Buttstock condition matches that of gun and is very good with some light wear and scattered marks. This is a very nice and complete example of a rare and unique U.S. martial weapon.
Manufacturer
U.S. Springfield