In this view you can see the entire design of a replica of the early issue Model 1855 Rifle Musket.  Known as the Type I, it was made from 1857-1858 with the long range 'side wall' rear sight and from 1858-1859 with a shorter range 'leaf' sight.

      Other hallmarks of the Type I M1855 are the brass stock tip and the absence of an iron patch box in the stock.  The patch box was added to the arm in 1859 and the stock tip changed to iron.  M1855's with these features are classified as Type II's.

      What sets apart all of the M1855 family of arms are the doors for the Maynard primers, although some of the old .69 caliber smoothbores were also retrofitted with the device in the 1850's.