Beschreibung:

.58 caliber. 38" round barrel secured by three flat spring-retained bands. SN: NSN. Bright finish, iron furniture, walnut stock. Single shot muzzleloading cadet rifle musket with automated Maynard priming system. Lock with standard markings including U.S. / SPRINGFIELD in two horizontal lines on the front portion of the lock, a {Spread-Winged Eagle} on the tape primer magazine door and the date 1859 at the tail. Top of breech with weak, but matching 1859 date and left angled flat with the standard V / P / {Eagle Head}. No visible cartouche on counterpane. The apparent rack number XX is deeply stamped into the reverse butt. Retains correct 1858 pattern short base multi-leaf rear sight and musket style combination front sight/bayonet lug. Retains both sling swivels and the correct swelled-shank tulip head ramrod that is full-length and retains good threads at the end. Only 2,501 US Model 1858 Cadet Rifle Muskets were produced, 1,501 were of the "Type I" configuration with the 1855 pattern long base ladder rear sight. The balance of 1,000 were of the Type II variant with the 1858 pattern rear sight. These guns were produced during April and May of 1860 using parts on hand that had been made the previous calendar year. Although scaled to be a "Cadet Musket" only 30 of these guns were ever issued to the cadets at West Point. Another 246 were issued to the US Naval Academy, but the large majority were issued to the various states for the use of their military academies. The guns were definitely sent to Connecticut, Illinois, Georgia, Maine, New Jersey, South Carolina and Tennessee, with some potentially sent to Louisiana and Missouria as well. Many of these guns likely saw use during the American Civil War, which certainly contributes to their scarcity on the market today and the fact that many are well worn and hard used when found. The correct socket bayonet for this gun is available in this sale as well. Condition: Good to very good. Metal cleaned at some point in the past and now toning down with a moderately oxidized brownish gray patina and showing freckles of darker age discoloration. Some pitting present, mostly around the breech and bolster area. Markings in metal clear with the exception of the breech date, which is weak. Lock mottled with oxidation and some light pitting, remains fully functional with a compete Maynard priming system in place. Bore is very good with strong rifling, showing scattered oxidation and some pitting. Stock about good, showing moderate wear, and an old sanding with some applied oil and varnish. Stock show numerous bumps and dings, as well some small chips and mars.