Original Item: Only One Available. This is a scarce U.S. Model 1851 .57 caliber percussion Cadet Musket manufactured at Springfield Arsenal and dated 1852. Only 4,000 Model 1851 Cadet Muskets were produced between 1851 and 1853, making surviving examples considerably less common than the full size U.S. service muskets of the period. This example remains in its original smoothbore configuration without the later rifling and rear sight alteration applied to a small number of Model 1851s, and it retains strong lock markings, iron furniture, both sling swivels, and an honest dark service patina.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Model 1851 Cadet Musket was developed because the full size percussion muskets then available for state issue were considered too large and heavy for cadet training. In May 1851, the U.S. Ordnance Department authorized an initial production of 2,000 new percussion cadet muskets for distribution to state military academies under the militia system. A second group followed, bringing total Model 1851 production to just 4,000 arms.

The new cadet musket was essentially a scaled down version of the standard U.S. Model 1842 percussion musket. Both were single shot percussion muzzleloaders, but the Cadet Model used a smaller .57 caliber smoothbore barrel and reduced dimensions better suited to military instruction. The Model 1851 also incorporated a smaller lock derived from the Model 1847 series of musketoons.

Unlike the earlier Model 1841 Cadet Muskets, which had largely been reserved for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Model 1851 was intended primarily for state military schools and academies. Significant numbers were issued to southern states, including Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, giving the pattern a genuine connection to the military institutions that supplied many officers and soldiers during the Civil War.

This example is dated 1852 and remains in its original smoothbore configuration. It has no adjustable rear sight, distinguishing it from the relatively small group of Model 1851 Cadet Muskets later rifled and sighted for instructional use.

The lock plate is marked beneath the hammer with a Federal Eagle over:

U.S.

The tail of the lock is clearly marked:

SPRING
FIELD
1852

These markings identify manufacture at the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield, in Springfield, Massachusetts rather than by a private contractor.

The barrel tang would originally also have carried a date, while the breech would have received the standard Springfield proof and inspection markings. Unfortunately, the breech and bolster area have experienced significant powder residue related corrosion and material loss, and the original barrel proofs and tang date are no longer legible.

The barrel tang itself is somewhat deformed, suggesting that it may have been disturbed or pulled at some point during the musket's long service life.

The percussion cone or nipple is in excellent condition compared with the surrounding metal and may be a later service or post service replacement. Its square lower section remains sharply defined. The bolster, by contrast, shows noticeable old oxidation and erosion from percussion cap and black powder residue.

The exposed metalwork has developed a deep dark brown oxidized patina overall. There are scattered areas of old peppering and surface oxidation, with the heaviest corrosion concentrated around the breech and percussion bolster. The appearance is consistent with long service, age, and storage rather than modern refinishing.

The musket retains its iron furniture, including the surviving barrel bands and iron nose cap. Both sling swivels remain present and move relatively freely.

A ramrod remains stored beneath the barrel. It appears to be a fabricated service life replacement rather than the original Model 1851 pattern ramrod, but its matching aged oxidation suggests it has been with the musket for a considerable period.

The butt plate is faintly marked:

U.S.

The percussion lock remains mechanically functional during manual inspection. It holds securely at half cock and releases correctly from full cock when the trigger is pulled. These observations describe only the present movement of the lock and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the musket is safe to load or fire.

The American black walnut stock has developed an attractive dark red brown color consistent with aged oiled military walnut. It displays the expected dents, dings, scratches, abrasions, and other evidence of extended handling and service.

There is cracking around the ramrod channel, together with substantial wood loss around the breech and lock area.

On the left side, a section of wood adjacent to the barrel tang has split away. On the right side there is more extensive loss around and behind the percussion bolster, extending down to approximately the level of the upper edge of the lock plate. The top of the lock plate itself also shows corrosion in this area.

This deterioration is consistent with prolonged exposure to corrosive percussion cap and black powder residue around the breech, compounded by age and repeated use. Despite the wood loss, the surviving stock retains considerable original character and clearly reflects the musket's long working history.

A particularly interesting aspect of the Model 1851 is its later service history. In 1856-1858, only 323 unissued Model 1851 Cadet Muskets were altered by rifling the bores and adding Model 1855 style long range rear sights, largely for instructional use at West Point. This example escaped that alteration and remains in the much more typical original .57 caliber smoothbore configuration.

Many smoothbore Model 1851 Cadet Muskets issued to the states almost certainly remained available when the Civil War began. Approximately 1,600 had gone to southern states before the war, making the pattern an important source of arms during the severe shortages of the conflict's opening period. Without individual provenance, however, we cannot assign this particular 1852 musket to a specific academy, state, regiment, or wartime unit.

With only 4,000 produced, clear SPRINGFIELD / 1852 lock markings, original .57 caliber smoothbore configuration, surviving U.S. military furniture, functional percussion lock, and substantial honest service wear, this is an appealing example of one of Springfield Arsenal's less common antebellum military arms. It would be a strong addition to a collection of U.S. martial muskets, cadet and military academy firearms, antebellum Springfield arms, or Civil War era percussion weapons.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1852
Maker: United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield
Model: 1851 Cadet Musket
Caliber: .57"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 402 Inches
Overall Length: 54 3/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.