1855 musket question

[RaiderANV]

I think I remember something about the 1860 dated models being different then the standard 1855. Think it was something to do with having or not having a patchbox. Also this had to do with the maker. What's the 411 on the 1860 dated muskets?

Thanks in advance.

[Blair]

Pat,

The type III '55 Rifle Muskets do indeed have an iron patch box and an iron nose cap. I think the date these changes were adopted was 1859. It was this type Rifle Musket that was still in production at the time Harpers Ferry was captured in 1861
Blair

[Joe Plakis, 9575V]

There are three types of 1855 Rifled muskets
Type 1-Brass nose cap, rear sight-long range type, graduated 1,2,3,4
Bands-Iron Flat with shoulders Patchbox- None
Type 2-Iron or brass nose cap, rear sight M-1858 3 leaf
Bands-Iron Flat with shoulders Patchbox- None
Type 3-Iron nose cap, rear sight M-1858 3 leaf
Bands-Iron Flat with shoulders Patchbox- Iron 1855 Rifle Box

Hope this helps