These Cadet Muskets were made from 1851-1853 and utilized the small Model 1847 Musketoon lock. A total of 4,000 of these scaled-down muskets were manufactured and issued to various cadet organizations including the famous Virginia Military Institute (VMI), which were shipped under the direct order of President Zachary Taylor. The lock plate is marked "SPRING/FIELD/1852" vertically behind the hammer and is stamped with the eagle and shield above "US" in front of the hammer. The barrel tang is dated "1852" and the left rear of the barrel is marked with the "V/P/eagle head" proofmarks. The musket has an iron ramrod with a trumpet-shaped head and is mounted with a full walnut stock with visible oval cartouche on the left flat, three barrel bands and the buttplate tang is marked "US" ahead of the screw and "I" to the rear. Model 1851 Cadet Muskets were carried by the VMI Cadets at the Battle of New Market, Virginia in 1864.

Fine. The barrel retains a bright appearance, while the remaining metal surfaces have a smooth silver-gray patina. The stock is very good. There is a 1 inch x 1 inch insert on top of the wrist and some overall scattered minor pressure dents and dings. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. One does not find these Model 1851 Cadets very often!