Per George Moller on page 357-364 of "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III," J. Henry & Son began making cadet muskets on October 14, 1862, mainly sold them to Joseph C. Grubb of Philadelphia, and produced only 632 of them. This light smoothbore musket is marked "J. HENRY/& SON" on the lock plate in front of the hammer and on top of the barrel. The barrel has a small blade front sight with block base for mounting a bayonet. There are sling swivels on the upper band and trigger guard. The mounts are brass. The 12 3/8 inch length of pull is cadet length. "J. T. Allen" is inscribed in script on the rear trigger guard tang. Allen has not been identified but was likely a cadet at one of the nation's private military schools.

Fine overall with about half of the original brown finish on the barrel, dark brown patina on the lock, scattered light pitting, attractively aged patina on the brass mounts, and mild overall wear. Mechanically fine.