M1855 - Type I

[Lead Snowstorm]

Well, I'd been hunting for the start of my Civil War-era collection for awhile...almost made the mistake of jumping too early, as ya'll know from my prior post: http://www.jouster2.com/forums/showthread.php?75814-M1855-questions.

I got the Willyard book, and using it, found another 1855 - a type I, very early. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/920680742

Seems that most 1855s, even in somewhat poorer condition, are typically priced at $3K+, so I paid the man and figured I'd see what I get. So here it is:

https://i.imgur.com/oLoNNxhh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/76YKZMqh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ixU2dcNh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4oTLACuh.jpg

The shield over the eagle has the proper double-curved border from Springfield - the Harper's Ferry shield has one curved and one straight border.

https://i.imgur.com/cgJLZVjh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LInSQeuh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qK1XRhyh.jpg

Likewise, the "US" on the sight leave is a Springfield characteristic.

https://i.imgur.com/X5BX26qh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PzoHo3kh.jpg

Both Allin's and Stillman's cartouches can still be seen.

https://i.imgur.com/7WdvGxqh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fKEyJF8h.jpg

Proper Springfield orientation of the date centered over the viewed/proof/eagle head stamps:

https://i.imgur.com/q4Y4lAph.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/79qHdEGh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Pjk2f7Xh.jpg

The hammer has been notched:

https://i.imgur.com/D7T2kR6h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ePi5shch.jpg

Still has an old roll of Maynard primers:

https://i.imgur.com/zrawczbh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5RvPlrnh.jpg

Brass nose-cap.

https://i.imgur.com/tLJYNAkh.jpg

Respectable bore:

https://i.imgur.com/j8kxYQ5h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cdrMVoZh.jpg

Well, there ya have it. No idea how this one came through 165 years looking this good - but nothing leaps out at me as obviously fake or vigorously overcleaned...

I really like the looks of the 1855. Overly complicated as the mechanism may have proven in combat, it is a beautiful weapon, one of my favorites.

[Dick Hosmer]

That's REALLY nice - happy for you!

[RicM]

Wow!!! That's one real clean rifle!!! I can only guess cause I bought from a very close friend and collector an 1873 Trapdoor Carbine serial numbered for 1880. Its all 100% original not restored, in excellent condition, checked thru and thru. How the heck it survived not being beat up is a question. My friends only can guess maybe it was assigned to an officer's assistant that was stationed in the offices, barrack, administration work, etc (aka House Mouse, paper pusher) not seeing any action.

Either way you scored a beautiful rifle!!!!!!! I'm searching now for an original or restored original 1841 Mississippi. You too being a Civil War collector may want to check one out. The ones made around 1854 were re-bored to .58 caliber mini bal by the armory. Reading up, those made in later years made were by the South during the War. Unless you already have one then you can make me really drool over myself lololol

[Carlsr]

That’s a really nice rifle!
You also got a really great deal on it.
Congratulations!!

[Fred]

Wow! You take Excellent photos. Top notch!
Condition is everything and they just don’t any better than that.
Thank you for sharing that with us!

[rayg]

Boy that's a beauty Fred!..And as said, excellent photos which you always provide, Ray

[Fred]

Ray, those aren’t my photos and that’s not my 1855. It belongs to Lead Snowstorm who took the photos.