US Model 1851 Cadet Musket

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This was manufactured at Springfield Armory from 1851 to 1853 with only 4,000 produced. It is a .57 caliber smooth bore with a forty inch round barrel. Its original trumpet-head ramrod, with threading on the lower end, is present. A distinguishing feature of this firearm is the use by the armory of a leftover Model 1847 musketoon lock plate, dated 1848. This use of an earlier lock is considered correct (and rare) on the early production of the 1851 Cadet Musket. Reference Flayderman’s Guide, 9A-304 through 9A-306. The lock plate markings are crisply struck and are as follows: eagle motif over U.S. forward of hammer and vertically behind hammer SPRING/FIELD/1848. The pattern of hammer differs from the standard 1851 Cadet but strikes the nipple correctly. It appears to be a period replacement utilizing the part from a percussion military pistol or carbine. The tumbler screw is missing. There is no “US” stamping on the tang of the butt plate, no date stamped on the tang of the breech plug, and no proof marks on the left flat of the barrel breach. There is also no evidence of an inspector cartouche on the stock opposite the lock. The walnut stock is marked just above the front tang of the trigger guard in crisply struck block numbers with a small “65” over a larger “14”. These are presumably school rack and company numbers. This diminutive gun, patterned after the .69 caliber US Model 1842 Musket, is overall the 1851 Cadet pattern with the variations noted above. It is known that 300 of the 1851 Cadet guns were sent to VMI under direct orders of then President Zachary Taylor. Rifled variations were sent to West Point in 1857. Most of the total production went to all the various states for use by their more than 30 private military high schools and colleges that existed in the 1850s with such names as Episcopal High School, Alexandria, VA, Jefferson College, Washington, MS, Kentucky Military Institute, Hillsborough Military Academy, NC, Georgia Military Institute, etc. The overall condition of this musket would be considered good to very good with one easily replaceable part (tumbler screw) missing. The lock mechanics work perfectly. The metal is smooth with no pitting and sharp clear lettering. The wood is crisp with few if any scratches or dents. This fine Cadet musket will be an excellent addition to any Civil War firearm or general relic collection.

Product Code:
PC5020

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