The 1855 Rifle was produced only at the Harpers Ferry Armory between June 1857 through March 1861. This fine example of the rare classic two band rifle features a much better than average rare dated 1861 Maynard-primer lock. This rifle is an example of what is referred to in collector parlance as an iron mounted “transition rifle”, that is, a rifle assembled at the armory after May of 1859 with iron mountings (i.e. iron barrel bands, patch box, trigger guard assemblies and butt plates) and utilizing early model 1855 rifle stocks with a long brass nose cap and patch box inletted for the early “figure eight” sharpshooter sight. Included in the patch box is reproduction figure 8 sharpshooter sight (see pictures.)
The barrel is still nicely rifled with three lands and grooves. The breach end of the barrel shows the typical “VP and eagle head proof government proof mark or stamp on the left flat. While the barrel manufacture date on the top flat is barely discernable, it appears to be dated 1860. Model 1855 rifles saw very hard service during the civil war in both northern and southern armies.
A total of 6,079 of these rifles were made, of which more than 2,400 were destroyed in a fire set by retreating U.S. government soldiers in the Arsenal on April 18th 1861 in an attempt to prevent the weapons in store from falling into Confederate hands. In spite of the fire, many of these weapons were salvageable either in parts or whole by the Confederates and along with thousands of unfinished parts assembled into serviceable weapons. There is a distinct possibility that this rifle may have been one of these post fire Confederate-assembled weapons as the butt plate is not stamped with the typical “U.S.” on it’s tang and there appears to never have been any stock inspector cartouches on the left side of the stock opposite the lock. All parts are original and uncleaned. The stock is in fantastic condition with no splits or cracks. The lock and Maynard Tape Primer are fully functional. These much better than average Harpers Ferry Rifles are fast disappearing into collections and this rifle must be seen to be appreciated.
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