The bayonet for the M1851 Cadet Musket is unique in having guide shoulders along both front and rear of the rotating locking ring, which is also mortised to encompass the stop pin. This is a very good example, with good edges and point, the locking ring in place and functional, and smooth metal showing bright mixed with thin gray spotting. The U.S. stamp is sharp, just a little light on the middle of the “S.”

According to Moller, production of the M1851 totaled 4,000 guns in 1852 and 1853 under two authorizations. They were intended for issue to the states for military academies under the 1808 militia act, with 3,110 actually so issued, about half of which went to southern, later Confederate, states, making them liable for use by Confederate forces in the Civil War. This included issues to Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. Virginia received 500 in two shipments in 1852 and another 10 in 1856. (Of those staying in federal hands, 323 were later rifled and sighted at Springfield, with 300 actually issued at the USMA at West Point in October 1856.)

This is a very good example of a scarce regulation U.S. bayonet.   [sr] [ph:m]

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