This musketoon is featured on page 237 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III" by George D. Moller, and Moller's initials are marked at the toe. According to Moller, 1030 total Springfield Model 1847 Sappers Musketoons were originally manufactured from 1847-1856. Reportedly, 228 of these were altered c. 1856-1857 to the Artillery configuration for use by military academies by removing the saber bayonet guide and lug, adding a lower stud for use with a socket bayonet, removing the sling swivels, and changing the original button-headed ramrod to a trumpet-headed ramrod. The front barrel band has a brass blade front sight on the upper strap and "W7" marked on top of the rear strap. It is dated "1855 on the barrel tang and lock. The left stock flat is marked with a circled script "WN" cartouche. "57" is marked ahead of the buttplate at the heel. Includes a socket bayonet. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine with mostly bright surfaces with some scattered very light surface pitting and sharp markings. Stock is very fine with defined edges, some scattered dents, light handling marks, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is fine with defined edges and some patches of light pitting.