This rifle is one of 3,422, scaled-down, .50 caliber rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory in 1869-1876 with 29 5/8 inch barrels per Flayderman's Guide (9th Edition, 9A-360). In addition to the shorter barrels, the Model 1869 Cadet rifles lack the sling swivels fitted to full sized rifles. The lock plate is dated "1865" behind the hammer and has the eagle and shield motif followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" forward of the hammer. The breechblock has a dark casehardened finish and is marked: "1870/eagle head/crossed arrows/U.S." in four lines. The left side of the barrel and the receiver are numbered "1923". Rear sights are the M1868 pattern graduated to 900 yards. The trigger guard has no provision for sling swivels. The left stock flat is stamped with an oval script "ESA" cartouche. The script "L" firing proof in a rectangle is stamped behind the trigger guard finial.

Excellent. The rear sight, receiver, breechblock, hammer and lock plate retain 95% or more of the original finish. All of the markings on the lock plate, breechblock, and frame are crisp. The barrel and mounts have been cleaned, and there are some small patches of pitting. The stock is also excellent with very sharp edges, distinct cartouche, small chip at the upper tang, stain along the top of the wrist, and mostly only minor handling and storage type marks. Mechanically excellent. A superior example of a limited-production variation of the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle.