2601

RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1851 CADET MUSKET RIFLED AND SIGHTED.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
RARE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1851 CADET MUSKET RIFLED AND SIGHTED.
NSN. .57 Cal x 40" long rifled bbl marked at left breech flat "V/P" over eagle head. Long range rear sight mounted 4" in front of breech and graduated to 400 yards. Front sight is mounted to front strap of forward band. This gun includes and orig 1851 bayonet having a 14-1/2" long blade marked "US" accompanied by the proper scabbard with white buff belt loop. 5-1/4" long lock is marked in front of hammer, spread winged eagle facing the butt over "US" stamped behind the hammer "SPRING/FIELD/1853" in three vertical lines (double stamped). Inside the lock is an "R" in front of bolster. Iron furniture consisting of three bands (rear band stamped "228" on top), trigger guard, buttplate (marked "US" "D/56") and sideplate are all orig and of proper pattern. This is thought to be a US Military Academy musket. Walnut stock measures 52" long, is unmarked and attached to this gun is a reproduction white buff sling. 4,000 of these cadet muskets were made between 1851-1853, with 1,160 being produced in 1853. Unknown number of these cadet muskets were rifled and sighted. Cadet bayonets with matching scabbards are extremely rare and CONDITION: Bbl, lock, and furniture show evidence of very slight pitting having once been lightly cleaned. Nipple and associated area remains as uncleaned but still in very good condition. Walnut stock is in very good plus condition having had any evidence of the inspector's marks opposite the lock removed at time of rifling and sighting, normal for these pieces. Wood shows only minor handling nicks and scrapes having only two 1/2" stress cracks originating a back of lock and not affecting overall soundness or appearance of musket. Bayonet is in fine condition, scabbard is in very good condition with 6" of stitching loose on seam. Rifled bore is in fine condition and ramrod is a modern replacement. 4-47326 PAS76