A total of around 5,804-6,703 of these musketoons were manufactured c. 1848-1859 at Springfield Armory for the U.S. cavalry. This variation with the ramrod retained by a chain device instead of a swivel is rarer. This example has a blade front sight on the upper barrel band, a Model 1855 style three-leaf rear sight, non-standard brass chain for the ramrod, "1849" dated barrel with standard government proofs, standard markings on the "1853" dated lock, sling bar and ring on the left side, hand scratched markings in the stock including "22," "U.S." marked buttplate. The bore has been rifled.

Fair with mottled gray patina and some faint pitting on the iron, aged patina on the brass, replaced ramrod chain, some distortion at the muzzle, numerous scattered marks and scratches, some minor cracks in the stock, and minor chips (most notably at the heel on the left). Mechanically fine.