This is a scarce example of the 3,422 Model 1869 Cadet Rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory between 1869 and 1876. The rifle has the distinctive short barrel, small buttplate and lack of sling swivels that identify it as a cadet rifle. The receiver, breech block and barrel tang have a black, water-quenched, casehardened finish and the hammer and lock plate have and oil-quenched finish with brighter case colors. The folding rear sight is blued. The barrel bands, trigger guard and buttplate are 'National Armory Bright'. The Civil War lock plate is dated "1863" behind the hammer and stamped with the eagle and shield motif followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" in front of it. The top of the breechblock is marked "1869" over an eagle head with crossed arrows and "U.S.". The left side of the barrel and receiver are stamped with the serial number. A oval, script, "ESA", final inspection mark is stamped on the left stock flat. An illegible script proofmark is stamped on the underside of the stock below the trigger guard finial.

Fine. The rifle has been lightly cleaned and retains about half of the original casehardened finish on the rear sight, receiver, breechblock, tang, hammer and lock plate. The barrel, ramrod, bands, trigger guard and buttplate are bright. The buttplate has some scattered light pitting. The markings on the receiver, breechblock and lock are crisp. The stock is in very fine condition with light to moderate handling wear and clear inspection marks. This is a fine, original example of a scarce U.S. Model 1869 Cadet Rifle.