1851 CADET MUSKET - MACON ARSENAL ALTERATION

1851 CADET MUSKET - MACON ARSENAL ALTERATION.    SOLD

This longarm started as a 1851 Cadet musket.  4000 were produced at Springfield from 1851 to 1853.  Over 1500 were sent south with the first shipments to VMI.  The musket is a scaled down version of the 1842 musket.  It is 57 caliber.

Macon arsenal was shipped weapons gleaned from battlefields In Virginia.  They were instructed to repair the weapons to be serviceable again.  Weapons damaged at the front part if the barrel were to be shortened and returned to service.  

Macon performed at least two different types of shortening.  One, like this one, relocated the front barrel band to just in front if the middle barrel band - With the band springs touching.  Also the barrel was turned to allow for the bayonet to fit.  The bayonet lug was relocated as well.  

This example is missing the ramrod, but otherwise complete and origional.  The markings are deep, strong and readable.  There are scattered areas of light pitting.  The stock has a clear inspectors cartouche.