AMAZING VMI RELIC MUSKET WITH PARTIAL FIXED BAYONET PULLED FROM THE MAURY RIVER

$4,950.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 846-381

This relic is a near complete Model 1851 Springfield Cadet musket. According to George Whiting (1995) approximately 4,000 .58 caliber weapons of this type were manufactured between 1851 to 1853, with the full production for 1851 of 200 muskets going to the Virginia Military Institute.

When VMI was captured by the Union forces under the command of General David Hunter in June of 1864 many of these cadet muskets were broken by Union soldiers and thrown into the Maury River at Lexington. This amazing relic was pulled from the Maury River many years later.

Except for some wood loss the weapon is complete. Of course, having been down in the water and mud for who knows how long it has suffered some corrosion on the metal surfaces and has broken in two at the wrist.

The butt section has about 80% of the wood with a complete iron buttplate attached by the original screws. A small piece of wood was reglued to the lower front near the break in the wrist. This was done in order to attach the original trigger guard which is held by a replacement screw. The guard is complete with the trigger mechanism and the remains of the sling swivel. Also, the wood at the center portion of the butt shows some black char from a fire.

The wood of the forend is approx. 80% to 85% present. The underside still shows the holes cut in the wood to accept the trigger mechanism and the forward guard screw. The right side of the stock still exhibits the cutouts for the band springs.

The lock is complete and still sits properly inside the stock. The original hammer screw is present. Of course, no markings are visible and the hammer is frozen in place on top of the nipple in the bolster. The left side of the stock still retains most of the iron escutcheon. Both lock screws are present.

The barrel is full length and still retains the tang and screw. All three barrel bands are present. The rear band is missing a small piece from one side. The middle band still retains the base of the sling swivel and the double banded nose cap with front sight is complete. The socket, knuckle and a portion of the blade from a fixed bayonet is also present. The trumpet head iron ramrod still remains in its channel and looks to be full length.

This is a wonderful relic of one of the most prestigious schools in the South and offers up memories of the brave boys from VMI who came to fame at New Market.  [ad] [ph:L]

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