Springfield Armory manufactured a total of 4,000 cadet muskets c. 1851-1853 for use by various cadet schools around the country. With almost all of the Model 1841 Cadet muskets having gone to West Point, most of the early production (1851-1852) of the Model 1851 muskets went to military academies in the South, starting with the Virginia Military Institute. It has a small bayonet stud on the bottom of the barrel near the muzzle, a blade front sight on the front of the upper barrel band, "1852" dated lock, "1852" dated barrel tang, "63" on the buttplate, and other standard Springfield lock and barrel markings. Removable collection mark on the trigger guard. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet.

Fine, showing mostly bright finish with a couple patches of light brown patina. The lightly sanded and reoiled wood is also fine and has some scattered minor dings and a few minor repairs. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very fine showing mostly bright with evidence of cleaning.