The years immediately following the Civil War saw an overwhelming number of now-obsolete muzzleloaders dumped onto the civilian market. With the final years of the War demonstrating the efficacy of the "self-contained" metallic cartridge, it became clear to the US Board of Ordnance that the future of small arms would lie with self contained cartridges, and the muzzleloader was on its way out.
As a result, the US government began selling off its inventory of surplus muzzleloading rifles as early as late 1865; beginning with the European-made muskets like the P1853 Enfield and M1854 Austrian Lorenz. These surplus muskets were purchased be a number of outfits including professional gunsmiths like RW Grace of Philadelphia. Unlike most gunsmiths who generally flipped and resold surplus muskets or chopped and sporterized muskets, RW Grace purchased surplus military parts and used them to build completely new cadet rifles which were then offered to military academies and general sale.
This particular Cadet rifle is a great example of RW Grace's gunsmithing ingenuity. This custom rifle was built by Grace using a combination of custom parts and surplus British Enfield parts. The barrel is from a Birmingham-made P1853 Enfield and features full Birmingham proofs as well as Grace's maker's mark on the top of the breech. It appears that Grace shortened the barrel to 33" before professionally reaming it out to 20 Gauge smoothbore.
The barrel was combined with a surplus Enfield lock plate that was remarked by Grace and mounted with a lightweight civilian-style hammer.
The American Walnut stock is of a military style and was scratch-built by RW Grace. A set of custom brass barrel bands; also custom-made by Grace, secure the barrel to the stock. The trigger guard was salvaged from a surplus P1853 Enfield. It appears that this musket may have been a presentation piece when it was originally produced, as "J. McCaffery, B.S.C" can be seen clearly engraved on the rear tang of the trigger guard. Cursory research was insufficient to reveal the identity of "J. McCaffery", but further research but the gun's new owner may prove fruitful.
This handy little gun remains in excellent condition. The stock is in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, or rotten spots.
The lock functions flawlessly with a reliable half and full cock.
The 33" barrel is in great shape. The bore is in great condition with no major rust or pitting.
This lightweight rifle weighs in at only 5lbs, 14 oz. and is a great example of the "post war" life that many military enjoyed after the cessation of hostilities in 1865.