Scarce CIVIL WAR Antique U.S. HARPERS FERRY ARSENAL Model 1855 Rifle-MUSKET Early 1857 mfr. Maynard Tape Primed Musket

Product Description

Scarce CIVIL WAR Antique U.S. HARPERS FERRY ARSENAL Model 1855 Rifle-MUSKET

 Early 1857 mfr. Maynard Tape Primed Musket

Here we present an antique Harpers Ferry Armory U.S. Model 1855 Rifle-Musket, manufactured in 1857 in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. The Model 1855 was the first U.S. musket to utilize the .58 caliber Minie ball. The U.S. military was piloting a concept for all U.S. Army troops to have a common caliber, so that logistics would be simplified. The chosen caliber was .58, and it utilized the cutting-edge cone-shaped Minié ball with the hollow base instead of a spherical ball. Also, relatively new and short-lived was the Maynard tape priming system, to which Springfield had purchased the rights. Instead of directly priming the nipple by hand for each shot, the user would simply install a roll of paper percussion caps, and a single cap would be exposed, sheared and carried by the hammer to detonate on the nipple. Of course, the standard rifle percussion caps could also be used. This system was simply abandoned with the beginning of the American Civil War as arms production was driven by effectiveness and efficiency, resulting in the simplified Model 1861.

Only 5,151 iron-mounted 1855 Rifles had been manufactured when the Harpers Ferry Armory was burned by Confederate forces in 1861. Many of the Model 1855 rifles were destroyed in the Armory fire and nearly all of the surviving rifles saw hard use with Federal and Confederate armies during the Civil War, and as a result any surviving examples of the Model 1855 Rifle are scarce and typically show the effects of hard field service.

This one was shortened by 4 ½” during the period of use. A front sight block was installed as well as a brass blade insert. Still a 3-band musket. This is one of the early ones with the long-range rear sight.

The overall condition is good. Dark, original patina. Steel parts have some heavier oxidation. The action is excellent. The bore is untouched, caked with dust with good rifling underneath. The walnut stock is solid and showing use and weathering. This is a good example of an early Model 1855 with the long range rear sight that survived the American Civil War!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 35-1/2 inches.

Caliber: .58 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$3250
#228535