There are approximately 1,160 Springfield Armory Model 1851 Muskets bearing the "1853" date like the lock plate on this example. Of those, 1857 records indicate that 341 of them from existing armory stock had long range sights installed and were rifled to replace the antiquated the smoothbore Model 1841 muskets that were still in use by cadets at West Point. This rifle shows all the standard markings and features of those West Point bound rifles including "101" on top of the rear barrel band and "A/26" on the buttplate tang, markings often attributed to West Point cadet rifles. Removable collection marking on the trigger guard. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet.

Fair, showing a mixture of artificial and antique brown patina with the lock mostly bright. The heavily sanded and reoiled stock is very good with some scattered light dings, scratches, and repairs. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very fine showing mostly bright with scattered patches of grey patina.