US Pre-Civil War Springfield M-1851 “Cadet” Musket .57 Cal Percussion Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,431
WOA#: WY240321BS014
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: M-1851 “Cadet” Musket
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: 1852
Caliber: .57 Caliber
Action Type: Percussion, Muzzle Loading, Black Powder
Markings: The left rear barrel is marked “V / P”. The top tang is dated “1844”. The lock plate is marked “SPRING / FIELD / 1852”, along with “US” surmounted by a spread wing “American Eagle”.
Barrel Length: 40”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a shallow blade integral to the top of the barrel band/capped forend. Correctly, there is no rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one piece walnut with a side plate, lock plate, straight grip, straight comb, metal buttplate, capped forend/barrel band, two more barrel bands, a sling ring on the bottom of the center barrel band, and a loop integral to the front of the trigger guard. The sling ring on that trigger guard is missing. There are compression marks and light scratches throughout. There is a deep nick on the left side of the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The stock rates in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: In The White
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bore is gray with minor erosion. There is some freckled rust in the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 7/10 for an Antique black powder musket.
Overall Condition: This musket retains about 99% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows a few small nicks on the barrel bands and some faint muting around the edges of the lock plate. The mechanics are excellent. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent Condition.
Mechanics: The hammer locks. The trigger is crisp. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This rifle comes with its installed ram rod and the scarce, original, and correct US Pre-Civil War M-1851 Cadet Socket Bayonet in Very Good Condition. It’s “US” marked at the ricasso, also remains “in the white”, features a factory made shorter blade than the standard full size bayonet, and carries a distinctive, unique locking ring at the mortise retained by two opposing shoulders. No scabbard included.
Our Assessment: The US Model 1851 “Cadet” Musket is a rare and highly sought-after firearm, especially in the excellent condition offered. Produced by Springfield Armory between 1851 and 1853, this musket is distinctive due to its reduced size compared to the standard Model 1842 musket, giving it a unique, scaled-down appearance. It was chambered in .57 caliber with a 40″ long barrel. Only 4,000 M-1851 “cadet” muskets were made, with 2,840 manufactured in 1852. This particular cadet musket is in exceptional shape. The lockplate is crisply dated 1852, and bears the clear markings of Springfield Armory, along with a pristine spread wing “American Eagle” and “US” stamp below it. The musket’s action functions perfectly, catching on both positions, and the barrel remains full-length. The walnut stock shows signs of use but not abuse, and retains a rich, dark tone. The correct ramrod is present on the underside of the barrel, and the matching Cadet Socket Bayonet completes this scarce set. Please see our photos and good luck! -L.S.
